A HEALTHIER HOME STARTS HERE Cathy Mails on Small Changes That Matter

Debut author and sustainable home expert Cathy Mails is redefining what it truly means to live clean. Her first book, The Detox Dwelling, surged to #1 on Amazon and earned an International Impact Book Award for its clear-eyed examination of the hidden toxins in everyday household cleaners—and the simple, natural alternatives that can replace them. Drawing on five decades in the cleaning and hospitality industries, Mails blends science, lived experience, and practical guidance to help families create healthier, safer homes. In this Q&A, she shares the personal wake-up call that inspired the book, the myths the cleaning industry has sold us, and why small changes at home can have a powerful impact on both our health and the planet.

Cathy Mails, Author of "The Detox Dwelling."

You’ve spent five decades in the hospitality and cleaning industries—how did your professional journey shape your passion for natural cleaning and ultimately inspire you to write The Detox Dwelling?

I was introduced to cleaning and running a business at a very young age through my parents. Back then, we relied entirely on conventional household cleaners—products loaded with harsh chemicals like ammonia and chlorine. Even with gloves, my skin was constantly irritated, and I frequently experienced respiratory issues.

That was my first signal that something wasn’t right. I began educating myself about healthier alternatives and quickly noticed improvements in both my skin and my breathing.

The real turning point came when I became a mother. My daughter developed severe allergies, and I started researching how to improve our home’s indoor air quality. What I discovered was alarming: many of the products we trusted to keep our homes “clean” were actually contributing to long-term health problems. I began writing blogs to share what I was learning—offering fact-checked, safer alternatives based on real experiences in people’s homes. Those blogs ultimately became the foundation of The Detox Dwelling, which is deeply personal. My mission has always been to help people make safer choices without feeling overwhelmed.

What was the moment you realized conventional cleaners were affecting your family’s health, and how did that discovery shape your work?

What many people don’t realize is that when you spray store-bought cleaners, those chemical molecules don’t just disappear. They linger in the air, settle on furniture, and absorb into your body. Many of these products release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. When I understood that I was unknowingly harming myself, my children, and even my dog—I nearly lost him after using an essential oil diffuser that was toxic to animals—I knew I had to change everything. From that point on, I committed to using only plant-based, fragrance-free, or organic cleaning solutions in my home and in my clients’ homes.

With 50 years in the industry, what misconceptions about “cleanliness” do you encounter most often, and how does The Detox Dwelling challenge them?

I used to believe that if a product smelled good or claimed to be “natural” or “organic,” it must be safe. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Labels don’t equal safety.

The commercial cleaning industry has trained us to associate scents like eucalyptus, pine, and lavender with cleanliness—when in reality, those fragrances often mask chemical odors. This is greenwashing. The same applies to air fresheners and scented candles, which may smell pleasant but frequently release synthetic fragrances and VOCs that pollute indoor air.

Many families feel overwhelmed by the idea of switching to natural cleaning. What are the first small, manageable changes you recommend?

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start small and build from there.

One easy first step is eliminating synthetic kitchen sponges, which shed microplastics that are harmful to both people and the environment. Instead, use organic coconut scrubbers or Swedish dishcloths—they’re reusable, washable, and compostable.

Another simple swap is making a small batch of all-purpose or bathroom cleaner at home. Just be sure to test it on a hidden area first, as natural ingredients can be powerful and may not be suitable for every surface.

Your book includes DIY recipes using everyday ingredients. Which ones surprise people the most?

People are always amazed by how effective simple ingredients can be. Vodka, for example, isn’t just for cocktails—it’s a natural disinfectant and odor eliminator. Cream of tartar is a powerful sink cleaner hiding in your baking cabinet. Ketchup can polish copper pans, and plain table salt works wonders for tough scrubbing and even clogged drains. Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective.

You stress the importance of reading product labels. What are three red-flag ingredients consumers should avoid?

Three of the most concerning ingredients are:

• Phthalates, commonly found in air fresheners and dish soaps. They’re endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues and developmental problems.

• Triclosan, used in antibacterial soaps, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt thyroid function.

• Ammonia, found in glass and oven cleaners. It’s a strong respiratory irritant and especially dangerous when mixed with bleach.

If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, take the time to research it. The same care we give food labels should apply to everything we bring into our homes. There are apps that let you scan barcodes, and resources like the Environmental Working Group offer free safety ratings. My book also references extensive scientific research on the health risks associated with common cleaning products.

Your goal isn’t to attack major brands, but to empower families. What’s your long-term vision?

Education is everything. While we can’t control what happens outside our homes, we can control what’s inside. Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are affordable, accessible, and incredibly effective. Small changes add up. People often notice they feel better—more clear-headed, less irritated—just by being mindful of what they use at home. On a larger scale, every household that reduces toxins sends a message to the marketplace: we want safer products. Over time, that demand drives change. My long-term vision is healthier families, cleaner air, less chemical runoff into our water and oceans—and a future where non-toxic living isn’t a luxury, but the norm.