Here’s a Fragrance-Free Cleaning Guide that’s especially useful for those with MCAS, chemical sensitivity, asthma, sensory issues, or ALPIMS-related symptoms (Anxiety, Laxity, Pain, Immune, Mood, Sensory). It’s safe, simple, and gentle on both people and the environment.
🧼 Fragrance-Free Cleaning Essentials
| Product | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar | All-purpose cleaner, glass, surface spray | Avoid if salicylate-sensitive (can sub citric acid) |
| Baking soda | Scrubbing agent for sinks, tubs, and deodorizing | Low scent, highly tolerated |
| Castile soap (unscented) | Dishwashing, general cleaning | Choose certified fragrance-free (e.g. Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented) |
| Hydrogen peroxide (3%) | Disinfectant, mold and stain remover | Safer than bleach for sensitive systems |
| Citric acid | Limescale remover, toilet cleaner | Good vinegar alternative |
| Microfiber cloths | Dusting, glass, multipurpose cleaning | Use damp for chemical-free clean |
| Steam cleaner | Deep clean floors, bathrooms, fabrics | No chemicals needed—just water |
🚫 Ingredients to Avoid
- Fragrance / Parfum (even “natural”)
- Essential oils (can trigger MCAS and asthma)
- Bleach & ammonia (strong fumes, lung/immune irritants)
- Phenoxyethanol, limonene, linalool (common in “green” products)
- Air fresheners, plug-ins, scented candles
🏡 Fragrance-Free Cleaning by Room
✨ Kitchen
- Surfaces: Mix white vinegar + water or use castile soap.
- Oven: Paste of baking soda + water, leave overnight, wipe clean.
- Fridge: Wipe with diluted hydrogen peroxide or baking soda solution.
🚿 Bathroom
- Shower/tub: Scrub with baking soda + castile soap paste.
- Toilet: Sprinkle citric acid or baking soda + vinegar.
- Mold/mildew: Hydrogen peroxide spray (let sit, then rinse).
🧺 Laundry
- Detergent: Use fragrance-free, dye-free (e.g. Seventh Generation Free & Clear, EcoStore Sensitive).
- Booster: Add ½ cup baking soda or vinegar to rinse (unless vinegar intolerant).
- Dryer: Use wool dryer balls or line dry.
🧹 Floors
- Hard floors: Warm water + a splash of castile soap or vinegar (if tolerated).
- Carpet: Sprinkle baking soda, leave 15 mins, vacuum.
🌱 Safe Brands to Look For
- EcoStore Fragrance-Free (NZ/AU)
- Simply Clean (Unscented Range)
- Abode Sensitive
- Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented
- Bon Ami (unscented powder cleanser)
- KOH
Good quality microfibres like Enjo are also suitable choices for a range of cleaning needs
🧾 Tips for Building a Fragrance-Free Home
- Wash all new clothes and linens before use (even “fragrance-free”).
- Run an air purifier with a HEPA + carbon filter.
- Ventilate well when cleaning (open windows, exhaust fans).
- Store cleaning products in sealed containers.