To swap to safer household products after childhood leukemia strikes, start small instead of throwing everything out at once. Replace daily contact items like surface cleaners and body soaps first using authentic essential oils or natural plant-based formulas.
Replace first then throw the yucky stuff under your sink into the wheelie bin.
When my daughter got sick, I was a single mum living on next to nothing. I thought then that I needed to clear out every single bottle in our home or it would mean I was failing her. You do not have the cash or the energy to throw out forty dollars worth of dishwashing powder in one hit so you need to do it over time. You do not need a brand new cleaning cupboard overnight. You just swap one bottle at a time as you can afford it.
To work out how to tackle this is an orderly fashion, look at the things your hands touch ten times a day
I wash four loads of dishes a day in the dishwasher, wipe the benchtops down after the grandkids leave sticky marks, and constantly wash clothes due to us being a large family. Those are the things that sit next to your child’s skin and lungs all day or when they eat or drink. You don’t need thirty specialist spray bottles. A simple plant-based cleaning concentrate made with authentic essential oils cleans the sink, the benchtops, and the floors without any synthetic junk. Keep it simple. One good bottle replaces ten toxic ones under the sink.
Personal care is where the sneaky synthetics live
Before all of this, I thought if it was sold on the supermarket shelf, it must be safe. They wouldn’t let companies sell toxic things, right? Wrong. The word fragrance on a label can hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals that mess with healing bodies. When you look at hair care, body wash, or perfume, pick pure botanical blends. Your child doesn’t need heavy commercial scents lingering in the air while their body is trying to heal.
Give yourself some grace with the budget
Nobody gives you an award for going into debt over choosing safe sprays. We manage on a tight budget here, and every cent counts. Forewarned is forearmed, but panicking helps nobody. Swap the dish soap or dishwashing powder this month. Swap the laundry liquid next month. When you need a moment to just settle your own nervous system between all these decisions, grab my free 5 Minute Calm booklet and let yourself take a breath.
Questions you might also be asking
Do I have to throw away all my current cleaning supplies today?
No, you can simply use up what you have and replace items one at a time as they run out. Focus on high-contact items like surface sprays and dishwashing liquids first to keep within your budget.
What is the most important household item to swap first?
Start with items that touch the skin or linger in the air, such as laundry detergents, dish soaps, and synthetic air fresheners. Replacing these reduces everyday chemical exposure quickly. The less chemicals in your child’s vicinity, the better.
Are all essential oil brands safe to clean with?
Not all brands are pure, and many contain synthetic adulterations or fillers. Look for authentic therapeutic grade oils with clear quality testing standards for home use.
This link is to the company I use and recommend for all of my cleaning and personal care needs. They use authentic essential oils in all of their products too, which avoids any synthetic fragrances too, but adds to the overall benefits as well.
If by chance this month you have some spare money, I recommend this starter kit to cover all of your cleaning needs in one hit.
Thank you for reading
Warm Wishes
Ange
