The truth about fragranced laundry and cleaning products

Have you ever picked up a laundry detergent or surface spray simply because it smelled so good? You’re not alone. Scents are everywhere these days—ocean breeze, fresh linen, essential oils, oud… the list goes on. But there’s something brands often don’t tell you: many of these fragrances can be harmful to your health and the environment.

•            Fragrance is one of the top five allergens in the world. Even products labelled as “natural” can include undisclosed fragrance blends that may hide dozens of individual chemicals.
•           Fragrance is becoming an air pollutant.

We’ve done our own research, and the majority of brands fail to mention whether their scents are allergen-free. It’s time for a change.

It’s time to have an honest conversation about fragrance in cleaning and laundry products—and why we choose to keep things safe and simple.

The fragrance obsession

Browse any cleaning aisle or website, and you’ll notice the same trend: bold claims about scent.

• Elegant bottles promise “luxurious fragrances.”
• Brands highlight “signature scents that linger beautifully.”
• Retailers sell gorgeous blends that double as home perfumes.

These products might look premium and desirable, but none of them mention being allergen-free on their packaging or websites. And that’s a big problem.

Fragrance = air pollutant

Here’s something few people realise:

Those lovely-smelling sprays and detergents release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs react with other chemicals indoors, creating harmful substances like formaldehyde and secondary organic aerosols—which we then breathe in.

The result? Air quality inside our homes can actually be worse than outside.

The hidden problem with fragrance

Fragrance in cleaning and laundry products isn’t just about smelling nice. It’s a complex cocktail of chemicals—often synthetic—that can:

• Trigger allergies and skin irritation
• Cause headaches or respiratory issues
• Disrupt hormones
• Contribute to indoor air pollution

Transparency matters

At nimble cares, we think you deserve to know exactly what’s in your products. That’s why:

✅ We use gentle, plant-based ingredients.
✅ We keep fragrances minimal or completely fragrance-free wherever possible.
✅ We always list allergens and avoid hidden chemicals.

✅ We request that brands are more transparent with their scent and for consumers to ask if scents are allergen-free.

Our goal? To help you keep your home clean and safe—without the hidden risks lurking in synthetic scents.

Next time you shop, ask yourself…

• Does this product list fragrance allergens on the label?
• Does the brand talk openly about what’s in its fragrance?
• Do I really need my laundry to smell like a perfume shop?

We’re not saying your home can’t smell fresh. But there’s a difference between light, safe scents and chemical cocktails that pollute your air and affect your health.

It’s time to rethink fragrance. Because clean shouldn’t come at a cost to your health—or the planet.

Share allergen free brands such as nimble cares with your friends and family to show your support.

Want to make the switch to fragrance free products? Click here to view our range.