7 Simple Steps to A Cozy, Non-Toxic Home This Fall

Fall is the season of cozy blankets, spiced treats, and gathering at home for family traditions, but many traditional fall habits bring hidden toxins with them. From fragranced candles to synthetic décor and harsh cleaners, the products we use to create that “fall feeling” can actually pollute the air inside our homes and affect our health. 

The good news? 

A cozy, inviting space doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being. With just a few intentional swaps, you can enjoy all the warmth and comfort of autumn while keeping your home healthier and toxin-free. 

Transform your space into a non-toxic home this fall season with these tips.

Conventional candles, plug-ins, and sprays can contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, benzene, heavy metals, VOCs, and artificial fragrance.

These chemicals can lead to health concerns, including:

• Respiratory issues

• Cancer

• Hormone disruption

• Skin irritation

The big issue with all three of these products is the fragrance. We all love a pumpkin vanilla scented candle, but the word “fragrance” on an ingredient list can hide hundreds of unlisted chemicals. Many of those haven’t been tested for long-term safety.

Safer alternatives for your fall aesthetic are:

• Beeswax or soy candles

• Essential oil diffusers

• Simmer pots with citrus, cinnamon, and cloves

You can still have cozy fall vibes without sacrificing your health.

Fall is a natural reset—many people do a seasonal clean to feel refreshed and prepare for winter.

Unfortunately, there are chemicals hidden in your cleaning supplies. As you attempt to rid your home of dirt and dust, you’re unintentionally spreading other chemicals.

Some common toxins in cleaners are:

•  Fragrance: Artificial fragrances can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, irritating the lungs, triggering asthma, or causing headaches.

•  Ammonia: Breathing in ammonia fumes can cause coughing, throat irritation, and, in higher concentrations, serious lung damage.

•  Bleach: Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is commonly used as a disinfectant but can release chlorine gas when mixed with acids or ammonia.

Switch to non-toxic cleaners to freshen up your home while reducing exposure to chemicals. Use toxin-free brands or create your own cleaning products—it’s easier than you think! Common household items, such as vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, can be used as non-toxic cleaners.

Hot showers in cooler weather are a cozy ritual, but unfiltered water can contain chlorine, heavy metals, lead, microplastics, and other contaminants.

Using a high-quality shower filter:

• Reduces exposure to toxins

• Protects skin and hair from dryness

• Makes your bathroom feel more spa-like

Investing in a shower filter is a simple step toward a truly non-toxic home.

Shop the Weddell Duo shower filter right here.

Not only is fall décor expensive, but it can be laced with hidden chemicals, such as fragrance (are you noticing a theme here?), flame retardants, and phthalates. 

Skip the plastic pumpkins, decorative wood signs, and scented pinecones. Instead, use these natural alternatives to bring fall into your home:

• Pumpkins

• Gourds

• Dried flowers

• Branches

• Handmade wood pieces

These items add beauty and grounding energy to your space, while making your non-toxic home a reality.

Soups, pumpkin bread, and casseroles are all fall staples, but it also means you’ll have lots of leftovers. Plastic containers risk chemical leaching, especially when food is reheated in the container. 

Ditch plastic containers for glass, stainless steel, or silicone. These containers keep your fall goodies fresh longer and reduce chemical exposure.

As windows close for cooler weather, indoor air quality matters more. You don’t need synthetic air fresheners to have a cozy fall home.

Use air-purifying plants, beeswax candles, and HEPA air purifiers to clean the air inside your home. And open the windows as the weather allows. Fresh air is always the best option!

We already know why candles are harmful, and they aren’t the only lighting option to create a cozy vibe in your home.

Beeswax candles, Himalayan salt lamps, and warm LED bulbs can create the same aesthetic while maintaining a non-toxic home—even better, layer lighting for more warmth in your space.

You don’t have to sacrifice your health to have a cozy fall home this season. Creating a non-toxic home isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about making small, thoughtful choices that bring both comfort and peace of mind. 

By swapping synthetic scents for natural aromas, refreshing your cleaning supplies, and adding a shower filter, you’ll build an environment that feels welcoming and safe. This fall, let your home reflect the season’s best qualities: warmth, coziness, and comfort.

Start small. Pick one category you want to commit to (cleaning supplies, air quality, self-care products, etc.). Ditch everything you own in that category that has toxins and swap it with cleaner alternatives.

Yes, it’s absolutely worth putting your health first. We’re surrounded by toxins every day, and the more we can reduce our exposure, the more we improve our overall health.

You’ll experience better indoor air quality, healthier skin and body, improved mental clarity, and have peace of mind knowing your home is safer for kids, pets, and yourself.

There are several, but some of the most common are fragrance, VOCs, parabens, and PFAS. These should be avoided as much as possible because they have the biggest impact on your health.