Non-toxic products are gaining traction … but it can feel overwhelming seeing the laundry list (literally) of all the things in your home that influencers are telling you need to end up in the trash bin if you want to live a non-toxic lifestyle.

Luckily, there is a simpler solution that doesn’t involve gutting your drawers and cupboards all in one weekend.

My method has been to slowly introduce low-tox/non-toxic products into my home. Sometimes this has meant using up my previous products and then swapping to a low-tox alternative when I run out. Other times it’s meant investing in one versatile product that can replace many of its higher-tox alternatives.

Before I dive in, I want to say this clearly: switching to a non-toxic lifestyle is a personal choice, not a moral obligation or a standard of perfection. I’m not here to tell you to toss out everything you own or to make you feel guilty about what’s in your cabinet. For me, the shift toward low-tox alternatives has been about becoming more intentional with the products I bring into my home—and creating a space that feels good, smells good, and supports my well-being in small but meaningful ways.

It hasn’t been an overnight transformation. I still use plenty of conventional products, and I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all approach. If my approach doesn’t work for you, that’s okay. I hope you find what does. But if you’ve been curious about what a “low-tox” home could look like, this post might be a great place to start.

Here are some of the simple swaps and slow changes I’ve made in my own life.

Glass Food Storage

Switching from plastic to glass containers is one of the easiest (and most satisfying) changes I made early on. Glass storage is non-reactive, which means it doesn’t leach chemicals into your food at high heats, especially when reheating leftovers. They’re also durable and dishwasher-safe, so you never have to worry about if they can handle a good clean. The best part for me is they feel more put together and cohesive in my fridge and cabinets, although the one downside is they are a bit heavier than your plastic containers.

Vinegar Around the House

There’s always debate about the safety of household cleaners, so if you’d like to avoid it all, I recommend vinegar (and it’s kinda the MVP). It’s cheap, effective, and multipurpose. You can use it as a cleaner for your kitchen or as a fabric softener for your towels. My favorite recipe is equal parts 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup lemon juice for a trusty kitchen cleaner, and I like to keep a jug of pure vinegar near my washing machine to use as a fabric softener.

Cast Iron Skillet

Your typical nonstick pans are probably coated in Teflon, a chemical compound that can be harmful if it’s burned at too high of temperatures. While this is nothing to panic about since Teflon is generally considered safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (or 260 degrees Celsius), some still raise concerns about the health risks of Teflon. If you’d prefer to stick to a tried-and-true method where you won’t have to keep up with the latest scientific rulings, I suggest a cast iron skillet, and Lodge has been a trusted leader in the industry for years. As the name suggests, cast iron pans are simply made of iron, making them a simple (but heavy) product. With no nonstick coating, you’ll have to go through the process of seasoning the pan—which is just a gentle way of saying coating it with layers of grease, fat, etc. to create a natural layer of nonstick material.

Water Filter

Clean water is a great step in any health journey, and a Brita or similar water filter pitcher is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. It helps reduce chlorine, lead, and other impurities that may be present in tap water, depending on your area.

Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent & Dryer Balls

Traditional laundry detergents often contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other irritants—ingredients that can be especially harsh on sensitive skin or those trying to limit everyday exposure to unnecessary chemicals. If that’s something you’ve been curious about, an easy starting point is simply switching to a low-tox laundry detergent the next time you run out. I’ve been using Truly Free’s clean laundry detergent, and I love that it’s free from harmful ingredients but still powerful enough to handle tough loads (including my boyfriend’s post-factory work clothes). Plus, Truly Free is currently offering 100 free loads and 20% off for their spring sale!

I also traded in my dryer sheets for dryer balls (check out these themed ones from Friendsheep!), which are not only non-toxic but also reusable, making them a budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative. You can even add a drop of essential oil to the dryer balls for a light, natural scent. It’s a small change, but it feels good every time I toss in a load of laundry

Non-Toxic Dish Detergent and Dish Soap

Much like traditional laundry detergents, dish detergents and soaps can contain harmful chemicals you might not know are even there. I’ve switched to Truly Free’s dish detergent and basil dish soap, and they haven’t disappointed. My dishes come out clean, and I know I’m not coating them in any harmful chemicals or additives in the meantime. It’s a swap that hasn’t felt like a compromise on quality.

Air Purifier (or Houseplants!)

Depending on where you live, air quality can play a large role in overall wellbeing, and the easiest way to manage your air quality is to purchase an air purifier, like this one from from Levoit that I keep in my bedroom. Air purifiers work by removing pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air, which can lead to a better home environment, especially for those with allergies or sensitivity to pollen, dust, and other airborne allergens. If an air purifier isn’t an option, houseplants make a great (and gorgeous) alternative! Check out HGTV’s top 20 best plants for cleaning indoor air to get an idea on where to start.

Smell Pots

This one’s a cozy favorite: smell pots. Boil a pot of water and then add in any fixings you’ve got lying around—citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or herbs—to naturally scent your home without artificial fragrance sprays or plug-ins. It’s basically homemade potpourri, and your house will smell like a holiday bakery. This one is extra exciting because social media has given us some great new recipes and ideas, and this one is my favorite: if you’ve got a candle warmer, try putting a mini smell pot underneath it instead of a candle

The important thing to remember is you don’t need to go completely non-toxic all at once (or ever, if you don’t want). It’s important to find a balance that works for your lifestyle. Maybe that means slowly making swaps that align with your usage, your budget, or your priorities. Maybe it means letting someone else do the thinking and buying a bulk basket like Truly Free’s. Whatever your pace, give yourself permission to start small. One step at a time.