Spring Cleaning, Reimagined: Freshen Your Home Without Toxic Chemicals
By Dee Davidson, FDN-P
Spring cleaning is often associated with opening windows, decluttering closets, and giving our homes a fresh start. But what many people don’t realize is that traditional cleaning products may be doing more harm than good—especially when it comes to indoor air quality, lung health, and long-term exposure.
As a functional health practitioner, I always encourage clients to look beyond what’s convenient and start asking: What am I being exposed to daily—and how is it impacting my body?
The Hidden Problem With Conventional Cleaning Products
Research has repeatedly shown that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air, largely due to chemicals released from cleaning sprays, disinfectants, fragrances, and air fresheners. Many of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that linger in the air long after you’ve finished cleaning.
One large study even found that people who clean for a living—or frequently use chemical cleaning products—can experience lung function decline comparable to smoking. Another study linked long-term exposure to certain cleaning chemicals with an increased risk of respiratory issues and lung cancer.
In other words:
That “clean” smell? It’s often a chemical cloud your lungs didn’t sign up for.
A Better Way: Clean + Support Your Body at the Same Time
The good news is you don’t need harsh chemicals to keep your home clean. Essential oils, when sourced properly and used intentionally, can support a healthier environment while still being effective.
My philosophy (in health and in cleaning) is simple:
Support the environment first—then let the tools do their job.
My Go-To Spring Cleaning Essential Oils
Here are a few favorites I personally use and recommend:
Lemon Essential Oil
Naturally antibacterial and antifungal
Cuts through grease and grime
Bright, fresh scent that actually supports mood
Perfect for kitchen counters, sinks, and floors
Five Defense® (from Pure Haven)
A powerful blend designed to support immune health
Great for high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and bathrooms
Especially helpful during cold, flu, and allergy season
Why Pure Haven?
I recommend Pure Haven because their essential oils are rigorously tested, transparently sourced, and free from synthetic fragrances—something I’m very particular about.
Simple DIY Spring Cleaning Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner
1 cup distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
15 drops Lemon essential oil
10 drops Five Defense
Shake before each use. Safe for most surfaces (avoid natural stone).
Air-Refreshing Spray
1 cup distilled water
10 drops Lemon
5 drops Five Defense
Use to freshen rooms naturally—without artificial fragrances.
Don’t Want to DIY? That’s Okay Too
If making your own cleaners feels overwhelming (or just not your season of life), you can purchase ready-made, non-toxic cleaning products directly from Pure Haven that already use these oils effectively and safely.
Progress > perfection. Always.
A Final Thought: Clean Homes Should Support Health, Not Compromise It
Spring cleaning is about renewal—not just of your space, but of what you allow into your body and your home.
When you swap chemical-laden cleaners for cleaner alternatives:
You support your lungs
You reduce toxic load
You protect children and pets
You create an environment that truly aligns with wellness
And that’s what functional health is all about—small, intentional shifts that create big, lasting change.
Here are my favorite Pure Haven cleaning products or essential oil links, Here’s to a cleaner home, clearer air, and a healthier spring
About Dee Davidson, FDN-P
Dee Davidson is a Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner, hormone and thyroid specialist, and the creator of the Confidently Balance Your Hormones podcast. She helps women in midlife and beyond uncover the root causes of fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, gut issues, and hormonal imbalances using functional labs, science-backed strategies, and nervous system regulation.
Dee’s work centers around empowering women to finally feel safe, seen, supported, and confident in their bodies — without restriction, overwhelm, or confusion.