Scent-Free Cleaning: Choosing The Right Fragrance-Free Products

Cleaning products are often heavily perfumed, with synthetic fragrances used to mask the smell of other chemicals. However, these fragrances can be harmful, with evidence linking them to severe respiratory and dermatological issues, as well as endocrine disruption, asthma, metabolic syndrome, weight gain, neurotoxicity, and even cancer. As a result, many people are seeking fragrance-free alternatives for their cleaning routines. These can be found at most grocery and big-box stores, with some popular options including natural products like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice, as well as commercial options like Branch Basics, Cleancult, and Seventh Generation.

Characteristics and Values of Fragrance-Free Cleaning Products

Natural, eco-friendly and organic cleaning products

There are many reasons to switch to natural, eco-friendly, and organic cleaning products. Synthetic fragrances are one of the world's top allergens, and they can contain dozens of chemicals that are not tested for safety. These chemicals are known to cause asthma, cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurotoxicity.

Some natural, eco-friendly, and organic cleaning products include:

• Thrive Market: A membership-based service that offers wholesale-priced natural and organic cleaning products, including brands like Seventh Generation, Truce, and Dr. Bronner's. Memberships start at $12/month, and the service provides one membership to a household in need.
• Cleancult: This brand offers an easy refill system with paper-based refills to reduce plastic waste. Each product purchased funds sustainable waste management projects in Bogotá, Colombia, and removes the equivalent of one plastic bottle from ocean-bound waste.
• Branch Basics: This brand offers a concentrate that can replace dozens of cleaning products. The products are fully biodegradable, fragrance-free, and non-GMO, with natural ingredients like baking soda and organic chamomile.
• Tru Earth Laundry Strips: These laundry strips are plastic-free and eco-friendly. The unscented version effectively tackles everyday stains and brightens wool sweaters.
• Ecover: This brand offers a simple, fragrance-free dish soap that is gentle on hands but tough on dishes. It is also safe for children.
• Dropps: An environmentally-friendly brand that offers biodegradable detergent pods for dishwashers. The brand was awarded the EPA's Safer Choice Partner of the Year in 2017.
• Attitude Living: This brand offers a vegan and cruelty-free dish cleaner that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. It is specifically designed to remove breast milk and formula residue from baby bottles.

Other options for natural cleaning include making your own cleaning products using ingredients like castile soap, baking soda, bleach, and water. Lemon juice can be used undiluted on cutting boards, sinks, stains, soap scum, and limescale. White vinegar can also be infused with citrus peels to create a natural, lemon-scented cleaner.

Health risks of synthetic fragrances

Creating a healthy and clean home is essential, and one of the key components is choosing the right cleaning products. Synthetic fragrances are one of the world's top allergens, and opting for fragrance-free alternatives is a healthier choice.

The term “fragrance” on a product label can indicate hundreds of synthetic ingredients, and these chemical-based scents contain harmful ingredients that can impact your health. These ingredients are predominantly made from chemicals and are toxic. They are derived from petroleum (crude oil) and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, toluene, and other known toxic chemicals. These chemicals are linked to various health issues, including cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions.

One of the dangers of synthetic fragrances is their impact on the endocrine system. They contain endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormone signaling and metabolism. Phthalates, commonly found in plastics and fragranced products, are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to an increased risk of behavioral and cognitive disorders, such as ADHD and autistic behaviors. They can also cause reduced mental, psychomotor, and IQ development and emotional problems. Additionally, fragrance mixtures are known to trigger contact dermatitis, a type of allergic skin reaction.

Synthetic fragrances also pose risks to respiratory health. They are known asthmagens, meaning they can cause asthma. Inhalation of fragrance chemicals can lead to allergic sensitization of the respiratory tract, triggering asthma symptoms and other respiratory disorders.

Furthermore, synthetic fragrances can contain neurotoxins, which disrupt the brain and nervous system. These chemicals have been linked to neurological issues and can cause headaches and migraines.

To create a healthier home, it is important to choose cleaning products that are truly fragrance-free and do not contain added chemicals to mask their scent. Look for products with certifications from reputable third-party programs like EPA's Safer Choice Fragrance Free or GreenSeal. Natural, eco-friendly alternatives are also available, such as using baking soda, bleach, and water for cleaning or opting for brands like Branch Basics, Cleancult, or Seventh Generation, which offer fragrance-free and eco-friendly cleaning products.

By being mindful of the potential health risks associated with synthetic fragrances and choosing fragrance-free alternatives, you can effectively reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals and create a safer and healthier living environment for yourself and your family.

Fragrance-free laundry detergents

There are several reasons to opt for fragrance-free cleaning products. Firstly, synthetic fragrances are one of the world's top allergens, and over 34% of the US population has a fragrance sensitivity. Secondly, chemical-based fragrances contain harmful ingredients that can act as endocrine disruptors, asthmagens, obesogens, neurotoxins, and even carcinogens.

When choosing a fragrance-free laundry detergent, it is important to note that some products labelled as "Fragrance Free" may still contain small amounts of fragrances called masking agents, which are used to hide unpleasant odours from other ingredients. However, there are several effective and popular fragrance-free laundry detergents available on the market.

One option is Seventh Generation's Power+™ Free and Clear Laundry Detergent, which is made with 97% USDA Certified Biobased Product ingredients and is formulated to be tough on stains while remaining gentle on clothes, including baby clothing and cloth diapers. It is free from dyes, optical brighteners, and artificial fragrances.

Another popular choice is Branch Basics, which offers a concentrate that can be used for laundry as well as other cleaning tasks such as hand soap, bathroom cleaner, and glass cleaner. Their products are fully biodegradable, fragrance-free, and non-GMO, containing natural ingredients like baking soda and organic chamomile.

For those looking for a more affordable option, Amazon offers a variety of fragrance-free laundry detergents, including pods, powder, and liquid detergent. These products often have subscription options that provide additional discounts and free delivery.

Lastly, D/CODE® Unscented Laundry Detergent is a great option for those looking to thoroughly clean their hunting clothing without adding any fragrances. It is formulated with Silver Scent Technology to fight stains and remove odours, and it also contains UV inhibitors to prevent colours from fading.

By choosing fragrance-free laundry detergents, individuals can create a healthier and more pleasant home environment while still achieving effective cleaning results.

Homemade cleaning products

Creating your own homemade cleaning products is a great way to ensure you know exactly what is in the solutions you are using to clean your home. Many shop-bought cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances, which can be one of the world's top allergens. They can also contain harmful chemicals, which can be toxic and cause skin irritation.

All-Purpose Cleaner

You can make an effective all-purpose cleaner with just a few simple ingredients. Combine water and liquid dish soap into a spray bottle, along with 4-6 drops of your favorite essential oil. Shake the solution and use it to clean greasy fingerprints off painted walls, spots, and smudges on stainless steel appliances, countertops, and the inside of your fridge. This cleaner can also be used to clear dust from baseboards and window sills, but avoid using it on wood surfaces.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

White vinegar and baking soda are a powerful combination for cleaning. Vinegar is acidic and helps to kill bacteria and get rid of odors, while baking soda is basic and helps to neutralize odors and soften water. Combine vinegar and baking soda to create a versatile cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces. You can also add essential oils to this mixture to boost its cleaning power and leave a fresh scent.

Citrus Vinegar

If you dislike the smell of white vinegar, you can make your own citrus vinegar by infusing a gallon jug of white vinegar with citrus peels for a month. The vinegar will take on the scent of lemons, limes, or oranges and can be used for cleaning.

Tea Tree Oil Cleaner

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is a natural disinfectant and can be used to fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water or vinegar to create a powerful cleaner that can be used to eliminate germs and odors. However, use caution when using this oil as it can irritate the skin and be toxic to pets if used in high concentrations.

Other Options

Other options for homemade cleaning products include castile soap, bleach, and specialty products for specific tasks, such as Windex for windows. You can also use lemon juice undiluted on cutting boards, sinks, stains, soap scum, and limescale.

When making and using homemade cleaning products, always be cautious and read the labels on the products you are using. Some manufacturers recommend against using certain ingredients on specific surfaces, such as vinegar on granite or stainless steel. It is also important to label your homemade cleaning bottles with all the ingredients inside, so you know what the mixture contains.

'Fragrance-free' vs 'unscented'

When it comes to cleaning products, it is important to understand the difference between "fragrance-free" and "unscented". While both terms may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct meanings and implications for the products they describe.

Fragrance-free products are those that do not contain any added ingredients that impart a scent, such as perfume. These products should not contain any fragrance compounds or synthetic fragrances, which are known to be one of the world's top allergens and can cause a range of health issues, including asthma, metabolic disorders, and even cancer. However, due to the lack of legal definitions for the terms "fragrance-free" and "unscented", some products labelled as fragrance-free may still contain fragrance compounds. This is because the FDA treats shampoos, lotions, and moisturisers as cosmetics rather than medicines, resulting in less stringent regulations.

On the other hand, "unscented" products are those that have no obvious scent or aroma. However, this does not mean that they are completely free of fragrance chemicals. Unscented products often contain chemicals that eliminate or mask odours, giving them a neutral smell. These chemicals used to remove odours from skincare and cleaning products have been found to be extremely harmful, and can irritate the skin and respiratory system.

When choosing between fragrance-free and unscented products, it is generally recommended to opt for fragrance-free options, especially for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Fragrance-free products reduce the risk of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and are safer for those sensitive to strong scents. Additionally, fragrance-free products are ideal for new parents as they are less likely to irritate an infant's delicate skin.

Some popular fragrance-free cleaning products include Branch Basics' laundry detergent and concentrate, which are natural, biodegradable, and non-GMO. Cleancult also offers eco-friendly, refillable cleaning products that help reduce plastic waste. For those seeking unscented options, The Clean Team offers a range of cleaning products with minimal scent, and Seventh Generation provides eco-friendly cleaning supplies that are gentle on the nose.

Frequently asked questions