Cleaning up...

My non-toxic journey started back in 2020. My husband was deployed to Iraq. Our sons were 4 and 2. We were in the middle of the Covid shutdowns. We were doing alright under the circumstances. We were living a normal American life. Eating food I thought was healthy. Not thinking a thing about the products in our home. Or how it all was affecting our lives and who we thought we were. We were “normal”. 

I was like most adult Americans. I thought I was healthy enough. I was in my early thirties and I had so many illnesses that I chalked-up to bad luck and genetics. My hormones had been all over the place for years, my weight went up and down 10 lbs every few months, my skin was pale, my knees ached, my eyesight had begun to deplete, I was having asthma attacks that had become an often occurrence and I hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in years. Worst of all, the anxiety I had experienced for almost 15 years had become utterly unbearable. 

My body’s toxic load had reached its tipping point. I remember thinking to myself, “This can’t be it”. This can’t be my life. I can’t continue on this path for another 30 years. So I started researching how to radically change my health. Although I wasn’t on the holistic path whatsoever, my gut had always told me pharmaceuticals weren't ’t the answer. 

I found a blog post by a woman that claimed “you can heal your body by going non-toxic”. I was desperate and willing to try anything to, at the very least, slow down the symptoms. After reading the article, I researched non-toxic living for months and began to put it into action almost immediately. After “going non-toxic” for only 3 months, I physically felt my brain heal. The anxiety that had practically crippled me for so many years was lifted. I realized that all the toxins that had been building up over time were keeping my body from restoring itself. This way of living was the answer…

Although, I am not an expert by any means, I am knowledgeable about the facts. I would estimate that I’ve spent hundreds of hours researching the topic. I’ve spent years combing over medical articles, expert studies, listening to podcasts and reading several books on holistic health. Mostly, I’m passionate about healing. I’m a walking miracle. All those illnesses I listed above, they’re no longer a part of my life. After years of non-toxic living, I’ve been able to dramatically reduce my toxic load and ultimately heal my body. 

So what does it mean to “go non-toxic”? It means, reducing our body’s toxic load by eliminating toxins in our everyday environment. This includes; through the foods we eat, the beauty products we put on our skin, and the products we use in our home. 

One of the first things I switched out were cleaning solutions. I can literally remember the day I dumped every single one in the trash. Now, you don’t have to do that. You can make the switch slowly. But like I said, I was desperate. And if those toxic cleaners were causing me to be ill, I wanted them out. So what makes our cleaning products so toxic?

Think about this…most household cleaners can lead to serious injury or death when ingested. Hello, red flag! But let’s assume we’re not chugging Windex…chemicals in cleaning solutions can cause allergic reactions and chronic illnesses including dermatitis, gut issues, sinus irritation, asthma, and cancer when inhaled or they come in contact with our skin. Worst of all, many of these chemicals linger in our home long after we've finished using them.

Natural cleaners are safe to breathe and most ingredients are found in our kitchen pantry like vinegar, citric acid (natural), baking soda, lemons and water. A better alternative to the traditional more toxic brands is to use a “green” brand. However, I have found that many “green” household cleaners still contain some toxins. The best alternative is to make your own DIY cleaners. I’ve included some of my personal cleaning recipes below. If you’re not into making your own cleaning products, The Rooted Market will be carrying a whole line of totally “clean” cleaning products starting this Spring!

Some other products to consider when it comes to eliminating toxins in our homes, are scented candles, soaps and even laundry detergents. When it comes to the clothes we buy, our family looks for natural, unwashed materials like organic cotton and linen. However, we get almost all the boys’ clothes second hand and I love a good vintage find. But the detergents they use in most of the clothing we find could knock out a kangaroo. It’s tough getting scents out of clothing. I’ve included a DIY on getting the smell and the toxins out of second hand textiles. 

I hope I’ve inspired you to make the switch! I’m excited for you, your health, and for your life to change in a big way. 

Many blessings, friends!

~Casey G.

Owner & Shopkeeper

*Comment below or reach out to me personally with any questions you may have about diy cleaning, non-toxic living, or to tell me where you are on your holistic health journey at therootedmarketgoods@gmail.com

Do It Yourself Cleaning Products…

Glass Cleaner Recipe #1:

Mix 1 cup of vodka and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar in a glass spray bottle. Use immediately or store for up to 6 months.

Glass Cleaner Recipe #2:

Seal 2 sliced lemons or peels in 2 cups of purified water in a mason jar for 1 week before use. Store for up to 3 months.

All-purpose Bathroom Cleaner:

Using a funnel, pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a glass spray bottle. Add a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar slowly. Allow baking soda to completely dissolve. This may take several minutes. Once completely mixed and a thin foam settles on top, add 1 tablespoon of unscented castile soap. Add 1 cup of warm water. Screw on spray nozzle and shake lightly to mix. Use immediately or store for up to 3 months. 

Laundry stripping is essentially a long soaking process. It takes time, patience and some muscle. Here is an old-fashioned way to get those chemicals out of your clothes and linens…

Fill a tub halfway with hot water. Completely submerge your laundry in the water. Add 2 cups white distilled vinegar, 1 cup borax, and ½ cup of laundry soap to the hot water. Let your laundry soak for 1 hour. Stir, mix, and squeeze it regularly over a four-hour period. The dirt and residue should release into the water, turning it murky in color. Drain the water and wring out excess liquid from the items. Repeat this process from the beginning until the water is clear. Then give textiles a final rinse in the washing machine using a water-only cycle. Lastly, and the most important step to getting that toxic detergent scent out of clothing, dry linens outside in full sunlight. Be careful not to leave colored garments in sunlight for too long as it can dull colors. I’ve found 1-2 hours of early morning or early evening sun is best.