Is Your Home Making You Sick? Why It’s Time to Reset Your Cleaning Routine

How indoor air pollution and toxic products are harming your health – and what to do about it

Most of us associate pollution with congested cities, traffic fumes and industrial sites. But did you know that the air inside your home could be up to five times more polluted than the air outside?

With the average person spending 90% of their time indoors, understanding the impact of indoor pollution is more important than ever. From synthetic candles to conventional cleaning sprays, our everyday choices are affecting not only the planet – but our health too.

If you’re ready to reset your home with cleaner, greener alternatives, here’s everything you need to know.

The Invisible Threat: What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the typical home, school or office contains 2 to 5 times more air pollution than the outdoor environment. The main culprit? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – a chemical cocktail released from:

Chemical cleaning products

Synthetic air fresheners, diffusers and plug-ins

Candles and incense

High-temperature cooking

New furniture and carpets (yes, really)

These VOCs accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces and can have long-term effects on our lungs, hormones and overall wellbeing.

The Link Between Cleaning and Lung Health

In a 20-year study published by the Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, researchers followed over 6,000 people to examine the effects of cleaning products on respiratory function. Their findings were shocking:

Women who worked as cleaners or regularly used chemical products at home experienced the same level of lung damage as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.

It’s a wake-up call for anyone still reaching for harsh, conventional products to ‘refresh’ their space.

How to Detox Your Home the Sustainable Way

BRiMM is a pioneering new lifestyle platform rewriting the rules of how we buy and give back. A movement rather than a marketplace – BRiMM promises its members sustainability without sacrifice. A place to discover beautiful design-led brands that matter, get inspired by stories of people living planet-positive lifestyles and connect to a collective helping to drive positive impact through collective action.

BRiMM’s Kitchen Cleaning Reset Box is designed to do exactly that — help you swap out harmful cleaning habits for healthier, low-tox alternatives that are better for both your body and the environment. One featured brand, Tincture, is on a mission to reduce indoor air pollution with 100% natural, refillable, plant-based formulas.

BRiMM’s in-house wellness expert, Christabel Biella, covering home and food shares some essential tips to kickstart your home detox:

1. Ditch the Chemicals

Replace your conventional laundry detergent, multipurpose sprays, dishwasher tablets and toilet cleaners with eco-certified, non-toxic versions made from plant-based ingredients. Not only are they safer for aquatic life, they’re better for your skin, lungs and long-term health.

Look for products free from:

Artificial fragrances and dyes
Harsh preservatives
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Microplastics

2. Ventilate Daily

Open your windows regularly, even during winter months – to allow stale, polluted air to escape and clean, fresh air to circulate. Prioritise ventilation while cleaning and cooking, when VOC levels tend to spike. Try to avoid aerosol sprays; and if you’re re-decorating, use low VOC paint brands, like Edward Bulmer, Farrow and Ball, Coat paints.

3. Add Air-Purifying Plants

Houseplants like peace lilies, snake plants and spider plants can help absorb airborne toxins, increase humidity, and boost oxygen levels naturally.

Why Sustainable Cleaning Products Matter

Many mainstream cleaning products contain ingredients that are toxic to aquatic life, linked to allergies, and contribute to the build-up of indoor pollutants. When you wash them down the sink, the impact doesn’t stop there – it continues into waterways and ecosystems.

By choosing planet-friendly, biodegradable formulas, you’re helping create a safer space for yourself, your family and the world outside your front door.

What’s Inside BRiMM’s Home Reset Box?

Each item in the BRiMM Home Reset Box has been handpicked for its environmental and health-conscious credentials. From Tincture’s non-toxic cleaning sprays to reusable, compostable cloths, the box offers a full toolkit for greener living – without compromise on performance or luxury, including brands like Kinfill, Kit & Kin and Seep to name a few.

Ready to Clean Up Your Act?

Detoxing your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, conscious swaps – like those in BRiMM’s Home Reset Box – can have a big impact on your health and the planet.

So next time you reach for a spray bottle or scented candle, ask yourself: what am I really bringing into my space?