Room Refresh: Easy Changes for a Healthier Home – The Bathroom Edition

When it comes to making your home healthier, it’s true that small swaps can make a big difference. By rethinking the materials we use and making thoughtful modifications, we can promote both our own wellbeing and that of the environment. In this series, we examine how to make small changes that can have a big impact on each room in your home.

In this installment, we take a look at the bathroom, which is a high-traffic space where we often don’t consider what’s actually in the products and materials we use daily. Here are some easy changes you can make to reduce toxins, limit waste and create a more sustainable, health-focused bathroom.

Swap Plastic Shower Curtains for Fabric or Glass

Plastic shower curtains, especially those made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air, particularly when exposed to heat and humidity. These chemicals, including phthalates and dioxins, are known to cause respiratory issues, skin irritation and even long-term hormonal disruption. Studies have shown that VOCs can linger long after the curtain is hung, contributing to poor indoor air quality, which can aggravate conditions like asthma and allergies.

Besides this, plastic curtains degrade quickly with regular use, shedding microplastics into the water system every time you shower. These tiny particles can enter the human body through inhalation or contact with water. Professor Richard Thompson, who wrote the first research paper on microplastics, states that, “a key source is fibers from textiles,” and, “there are interventions that could be made at the design stage to really reduce this microfiber shedding.” Microplastics have been linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Healthier Change:

Look out for a fabric shower curtain made from organic cotton, linen or hemp. These materials are naturally breathable, resistant to mildew and free from harmful chemicals. If possible, consider installing a glass shower door or screen, which is a long-lasting, easy-to-clean, and toxin-free alternative.

Choose Natural Bath Towels and Mats

Conventional towels and bath mats are often made from non-organic cotton, a crop that accounts for nearly 16 percent of the world’s pesticide use. These pesticides, along with synthetic fertilizers and herbicides, leave behind chemical residues that can linger in the fabric long after production. The dyes used to achieve vibrant colors often contain heavy metals and azo compounds, some of which are classified as potential carcinogens.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and when we dry off, our skin, especially when warm and pores are open, can absorb trace amounts of these chemicals. Prolonged exposure has been linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions and even endocrine disruption.

Healthier Change:

Switch to towels and bath mats made from organic cotton or linen. These materials are grown without harmful chemicals, making them safer for both your skin and the environment. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure true sustainability. Cedar and cypress bath mats are another good option; they are also pleasantly fragranced and naturally antibacterial.

Use Refillable Soap and Shampoo Dispensers

Single-use plastic bottles for hand soap, shampoo and conditioner contribute significantly to household plastic waste, with millions of bottles ending up in landfills and oceans each year. These plastics take hundreds of years to break down and as they degrade, they release microplastics that can enter waterways, harm wildlife and even make their way into our food system.

Beyond environmental concerns, plastic packaging can also pose health risks. Many plastic bottles contain bisphenols (BPA and BPS) and phthalates, chemicals known to leach into products, especially when exposed to heat or light. These substances are linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues and even certain cancers.

Healthier Change:

Invest in refillable dispensers made from glass, stainless steel or ceramic. Many environmentally-conscious brands now offer bulk refills, reducing packaging waste.

Opt for Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Bathroom cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine and synthetic fragrances, which can pose health risks with regular use. Ammonia, commonly found in glass and tile cleaners, can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system, especially for those with asthma or allergies. Chlorine can release toxic fumes when mixed with other cleaning products, potentially causing respiratory distress, headaches and even long-term lung damage with repeated exposure.

Synthetic fragrances, added to mask the chemical smell of cleaners, often contain phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues and hormonal imbalances. When rinsed down the drain, they enter waterways, where they can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and contaminate drinking water supplies.

Healthier Change:

Choose plant-based cleaning products with biodegradable ingredients and essential oils for fragrance. Brands such as Koala Eco are creating highly effective products which are safe for both human health and the environment. Alternatively, make your own cleaner using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon.

Improve Air Quality with Plants and Ventilation

Bathrooms, due to their constant exposure to moisture and humidity, can quickly become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. These fungi thrive in damp environments, often appearing on shower curtains, tiles and ceilings. Mold spores can become airborne, triggering respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, particularly in children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Poor ventilation further exacerbates the problem, as stagnant air prevents moisture from dissipating. This not only encourages mold growth but also traps VOCs released from personal care products, cleaning supplies and even plastic fixtures.

Healthier Change:

Ensure proper ventilation by using an exhaust fan or keeping a window open when possible. Adding humidity-loving plants, such as ferns, peace lilies or snake plants, can help purify the air naturally while absorbing excess moisture.

Choose Safer Showerheads and Water Filters

Showering can expose you to chlorine and other impurities present in tap water, which may have unintended health effects. While chlorine is commonly used to disinfect water and prevent bacterial growth, it doesn’t come without risks. When water is heated during a shower, chlorine can vaporize, creating a gas that’s easily inhaled. This exposure can irritate the respiratory system, especially for those with asthma or allergies and prolonged contact may even lead to chronic bronchitis or other respiratory conditions. Additionally, chlorine can react with organic matter in water, forming byproducts known as trihalomethanes (THMs), some of which are classified as potential carcinogens with long-term exposure.

Healthier Change:

Install a showerhead filter to reduce chlorine, heavy metals and other contaminants. A whole-house water filtration system can further improve water quality throughout your home.

These thoughtful changes not only create a healthier bathroom but also reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and environmental waste. Small adjustments can transform daily routines into more mindful, sustainable practices, proving that wellness starts with the spaces we use most.

Feature Image: Designed by Atelier AM Inc. Photo courtesy of Stephen Kent Johnson

Photography: Julie Soefer, Harry Crowder, Stephen Kent Johnson, Kiso Lifestyle Labo, Mungo, Aiayu