Heidi Norton
Many people experience adverse reactions to fragrances and scented products, such as perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, and air fresheners. These reactions can range from mild annoyances, such as headaches, to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, migraines, and nausea. As a result, it is important to know how to politely ask for fragrance-free lodging when travelling. When booking accommodations, it is advisable to inquire about the use of fragrances and request a fragrance-free room if needed. Some hotels are aware of this issue and can accommodate such requests, while vacation rentals or Airbnbs may offer more control over the use of scented products. It is also important to recognize that being fragrance-free does not mean sacrificing hygiene or grooming, but rather opting for fragrance-free versions of personal care and cleaning products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free lodging | Avoid hotels that spray fragrances in lobbies, hallways, and rooms |
| Avoid hotels by the sea, as they frequently use air fresheners to mask the damp smell | |
| Older buildings tend to use fragrances to cover the smell of mould | |
| Spa hotels often use fragrances to promote a relaxed atmosphere | |
| Ask for a fragrance-free room when booking | |
| Specify the types of fragrances to avoid, e.g., perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, scented lotions, air fresheners, scented candles, and fragranced cleaning products | |
| Request fragrance-free cleaning procedures | |
| Look for fragrance-free vacation rentals or Airbnbs | |
| Check photos for signs of scent sticks or automatic fragrance pumps | |
| Request that the host refrain from using scented products and provide fragrance-free detergent |
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What You'll Learn
- Fragrance-free travel: how to ask for no scents in hotels and rentals
- Fragrance-free events: how to politely ask guests to avoid scents
- Fragrance-free policies: how to ask employees and clients to avoid scents
- Fragrance-free products: how to find alternatives for personal and cleaning products
- Fragrance-free lodging: how to find and ask for unscented hotels and rentals
Fragrance-free travel: how to ask for no scents in hotels and rentals
Fragrance sensitivity is a common issue, with a 2016 study finding that 34% of the US population reports health problems when exposed to fragrance. Symptoms include sinus congestion, sore throat, coughing, anxiety, nausea, and fatigue. Many people with fragrance sensitivity have to deal with this issue when travelling and staying in hotels or rentals.
When booking a hotel, it is worth asking for a fragrance-free room. Some hotels are aware of this issue and will be able to accommodate your request. They may be able to air out the room before your arrival to remove any fragrances from previous cleaning products, or even do an extra fragrance-free wash of the sheets. It is also worth looking for hotels that advertise themselves as eco-friendly, as they may be more likely to offer fragrance-free rooms.
When booking a vacation rental or Airbnb, it is a good idea to ask the owner or manager if they use fragrances such as scent sticks, air fresheners, or scented candles. Be aware that some owners may not realise that they are using fragrances, as they have become accustomed to the smell. Look carefully at photos to see if you can spot any scent sticks or automatic fragrance pumps. You could also ask the owner to provide fragrance-free cleaning and laundry products, or bring your own.
If you are particularly sensitive, you may want to consider seeking out accommodations that specifically cater to people with fragrance sensitivities. For example, there is a luxurious, smoke-free, fragrance-free eco-retreat in the Sierra Buttes, near the Pacific Crest Trail, Yuba River, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Finally, remember that it is not just the space you are staying in that may be fragranced. If you are meeting up with someone on your trip, you could ask them to refrain from wearing perfume or aftershave, and to use fragrance-free personal care and laundry products.
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Fragrance-free events: how to politely ask guests to avoid scents
Hosting fragrance-free events can be challenging, but it is a great opportunity to educate people about the impact of fragrances and promote inclusivity. Here are some tips to politely ask guests to avoid wearing scents:
Educate Your Guests
When inviting guests, it is essential to explain the reasons behind your fragrance-free request. Many people are unaware of the potential health impacts of fragrances. In your communication, you can mention that fragrances can trigger serious health issues for those with fragrance allergies, sensitivities, or chemical sensitivities. Some common symptoms include sinus congestion, sore throat, coughing, anxiety, nausea, and difficulty breathing. By providing this information, your guests will better understand the importance of adhering to your request.
Clear and Consistent Communication
Ensure that your invitation or publicity material clearly states your fragrance-free policy. You can use phrases such as, "Please help us make this event fragrance-free by refraining from wearing scented products." Be explicit about the types of products to avoid, including perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, scented lotions, hair products, cosmetics, and scented soaps. It is also a good idea to mention that guests should avoid using scented products prior to the event, as fragrances can linger on clothing and hair.
Offer Alternatives for Participation
Recognize that some guests may not be able to or may forget to comply with your request. In such cases, provide alternative methods for them to participate in the event. For example, you can suggest that they join remotely via a live stream or view a recording of the event at a later time. This way, they can still be included without causing discomfort to other attendees.
Provide Fragrance-Free Product Suggestions
To make it easier for your guests, you can offer suggestions for fragrance-free alternatives to their usual scented products. Provide a list of fragrance-free personal care and cleaning products that are widely available. This will help your guests understand that they can still maintain their hygiene and grooming routines without fragrances.
Create a Fragrance-Free Environment
In addition to requesting that guests refrain from wearing scents, ensure that the event space itself is fragrance-free. Communicate your needs to the venue administrators and request that they use fragrance-free and chemical-free cleaning procedures. If possible, visit the venue beforehand to ensure that no scented products have been used recently, and consider providing air purifiers in the space.
By implementing these strategies, you can politely request that guests avoid wearing scents to your event while also raising awareness about the importance of fragrance-free environments.
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Fragrance-free policies: how to ask employees and clients to avoid scents
Many people have sensitivity or allergic reactions to various fragrant products, and a 2016 study found that 34% of the US population reports health problems when exposed to fragrance. Symptoms include sinus congestion, sore throat, coughing, and anxiety, among others. As such, it is important to be mindful of those around you and respect fragrance-free policies.
When asking employees and clients to avoid wearing scents, it is important to communicate clearly and respectfully. Here are some steps to consider:
Inform with Clear and Respectful Communication
Firstly, inform employees and clients about the fragrance-free policy and explain the reasons behind it. Emphasize that the policy is in place to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Be transparent about the potential health risks associated with fragrances, such as breathing difficulties, migraines, and allergic reactions.
Provide Written Communication and Notifications
Communicate the policy through multiple channels, such as email, newsletters, or the company intranet. Include the date the policy will be implemented and provide contact information for any questions or concerns. Consider adding a brief notification in email signatures or on event invitations, clearly stating the fragrance-free request.
Offer Alternatives and Accommodations
Provide alternatives for clients or guests who may be wearing fragrances. For example, if you are hosting an event, consider offering a fragrance-free seating section or suggest they participate remotely if possible. If it is a workplace policy, suggest alternatives to fragrant products, such as fragrance-free soaps, lotions, or hair care products.
Educate and Provide Resources
Educate employees and clients about the impact of fragrances on indoor air quality and health. Provide resources or host educational sessions to raise awareness about fragrance-related health issues, such as asthma or allergies. This can help foster understanding and encourage voluntary compliance with the policy.
Gain Support from Leadership and Human Resources
Support from leadership and human resources is crucial for the successful implementation of a fragrance-free policy. Ensure that management is on board and encourages compliance among employees. Human resources can provide additional support, resources, and guidance to ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns or resistance from employees.
Remember, it is important to be mindful of others and respect fragrance-free policies. By implementing these steps, you can effectively communicate fragrance-free requests to employees and clients, creating a safer and healthier environment for all.
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Fragrance-free products: how to find alternatives for personal and cleaning products
When looking for fragrance-free alternatives for personal and cleaning products, it is important to know that many commercial and even some "safe" products use scent-neutralizing chemicals to create fragrance-free products. These may still contain harmful chemicals or additional chemicals to mask the scent.
To avoid this, opt for all-natural, gentle, and effective fragrance-free products. For example, Branch Basics offers an all-purpose spray made by adding water to their concentrate, which can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, and on stains, dishes, and more. Their products are fully biodegradable, fragrance-free, and non-GMO, with natural ingredients like baking soda and organic chamomile.
You can also make your own DIY cleaners with lemon juice, which is a natural deodorizer and stain fighter. A simple recipe involves adding all the ingredients to a spray bottle and shaking to combine. Lemon juice can also be used undiluted on surfaces like cutting boards, sinks, and stains.
When it comes to personal care products, it is important to know that fragrances are not regulated by government agencies, and research has shown that they can be harmful. Common ingredients in fragrances, such as phthalates, synthetic musks, and allergens, have been linked to various health issues, including eye and skin irritation, hormone disruption, and increased risk of cancer. Look for personal care brands that offer fragrance-free options, and be mindful of products like shampoo, hair spray, skin moisturizers, and detergents that may contain fragrances.
For cleaning products, opt for natural and eco-friendly brands that are conscious of your family's health and the earth's well-being. Many of these companies offer zero-waste and refill options, and you can find them at large retailers, natural grocery stores, zero-waste shops, or online. Be sure to read labels and assess the ingredients before purchasing.
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Fragrance-free lodging: how to find and ask for unscented hotels and rentals
Fragrance-free lodging is becoming an increasingly popular option for travellers, as many people suffer from allergies, sensitivities, and health issues caused by scented products. When booking hotels, it is important to ask for a fragrance-free room, and some hotels are well-equipped to deal with such requests. However, it is always a good idea to take your own washing powder and fabric softener, as well as a flat sheet to cover fragrant bedding, just in case.
When booking, it is worth asking about the use of scent sticks, air fresheners, and other scented products, as these can be easily forgotten about by staff. It is also worth noting that cheaper hotels, especially chains in the US and Canada, tend to use fragrances to make the hotel seem nicer than it is, so it may be worth opting for a more expensive choice or an independent hotel. Older buildings, like historic hotels in the UK and Europe, may also use fragrances to cover the smell of mould, and hotels by the sea often use air fresheners to mask damp smells.
There are some hotel chains that are known for providing fragrance-free rooms. The Sofitel airport hotels in the UK, for example, provide fragrance-free rooms, and their bedding is also scentless. The Mercure chain in Europe is also reportedly low on fragrance.
If you are looking for a vacation rental, it may be easier to ensure the property is fragrance-free. Websites like Fragrance-Free Rentals and Fragrance Free Vacation list properties that are free from artificial fragrances, and these can be a great option for those who are sensitive to scents. It is also worth checking out Airbnbs, as these tend to be easier to air out and make scent-free.
When staying in any form of lodging, it is always worth asking staff and other guests to refrain from using scented products around you, as these can trigger serious health issues for those with allergies. It is also possible to take steps to reduce fragrance before your stay, such as asking the administrators to use fragrance-free cleaning products, or leaving the windows open for 24 hours or more to air out the space.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to be direct and honest about your request for fragrance-free lodging. Many people are sensitive to fragrances, and it is becoming more common for accommodations to understand and accommodate these requests. When booking, simply ask if they can provide a fragrance-free room, and explain that you are sensitive to fragrances and would appreciate fragrance-free cleaning products and bedding.
Fragrance-free lodging options can include hotels, vacation rentals, or Airbnbs. Some hotel chains may be more accommodating than others, such as the Sofitel airport hotels in the UK, which offer fragrance-free rooms and bedding. Vacation rentals or Airbnbs can also be good options, as you may have more control over the use of fragrances in the space.
To ensure your lodging is fragrance-free, you can request that the space be cleaned using only chemical- and fragrance-free cleaning products. You can also ask that no scented products, such as air fresheners, scented candles, or fragranced personal care products, be used in the space before and during your stay. It is important to communicate your needs clearly and politely, and to understand that creating a completely fragrance-free environment may be challenging.
