Safer Cleaning: Fewer Fragrances, Fewer Surprises
A low-tox routine: what to avoid, the simple ingredients that actually work, and affordable swaps.
What to avoid — and why
- Undisclosed “fragrance/parfum” — can include dozens of chemicals; common irritant.
- Mixing bleach + ammonia/acid — dangerous chloramine/chlorine gas.
- Spray overload — raises indoor VOCs and fine particles.
- Quats (e.g., benzalkonium chloride) — effective disinfectants, but overuse can irritate; reserve for true disinfection needs.
What to look for — and why
- Fragrance-free or clearly disclosed scents → fewer unknowns.
- Concentrates/refills → less plastic, less storage.
- Short ingredient lists (soap, vinegar, alcohol, surfactants you can pronounce).
- Microfiber for mechanical cleaning → often replaces product.
Low-tox kit (UK Amazon)
- Unscented dish soap:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=fragrance+free+dish+soap&tag=wildandwell0c-21 - All-purpose concentrate (dilutable):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=all+purpose+cleaner+concentrate+fragrance+free&tag=wildandwell0c-21 - Microfiber cloths:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=microfibre+cloths&tag=wildandwell0c-21 - Citric acid descaler:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=citric+acid+descaler&tag=wildandwell0c-21 - Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=oxygen+bleach+powder&tag=wildandwell0c-21
Routine that works
Ventilate while cleaning, use the smallest effective amount, and keep a single disinfectant for actual illness/food-safety moments.
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