Breathing Through the Cleaning Frenzy

Does anyone else spend way too long staring at their shampoo and cleaning products, squinting at labels like they’re decoding ancient hieroglyphics? “Paraben-free! Sulfate-free! Fragrance-free… wait, not fragrance-free?” It's exhausting. If you’ve ever felt like buying “safe” household products is a full-time job, trust me, you’re not imagining it.

Here’s the kicker: a 20-year study found women who regularly used cleaning sprays lost lung function comparable to smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 20 years. Men? Not so much. Those little bottles of scented spray can quite literally take your breath away over time. Scientists suspect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in fragrances — chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and can irritate your lungs and airways — are the main culprits.

So how do you keep a home clean without turning it into a chemically “safe” fortress? I personally stick with Branch Basics — plant- and mineral-based, biodegradable, and fragrance-free. Once a month, I tackle a deep clean with the “good stuff,” and yes, my lungs notice. The key is reading beyond the marketing: “paraben-free” doesn’t mean “fragrance-free,” and “natural” doesn’t automatically equal safe. Fragrance-free or low-VOC formulas are your friends, and a HEPA air purifier helps too, reducing VOCs and supporting lung health.

We shouldn’t have to choose between a sparkling home and healthy lungs. Start by swapping one high-use spray for a safer option, and make fragrance-free your default. Small, deliberate changes add up, and your lungs will thank you later.

Ask Clara: What are some "clean" household products I can feel good about?