Sensitivities to fragrance can strike anywhere scents are present. These problems may be more pronounced in the home if you’re exposed to them on a consistent basis. Hallmark symptoms can range from mild to debilitating. In addition to maintaining a clean house, you can also limit your exposure by reducing the use of scented products and hiring green home cleaning maids. Here’s what you need to know.

Everything You Need to Know About Scent Sensitivities

What Exactly Is Fragrance Sensitivity?

If you develop uncomfortable symptoms within moments of coming into contact with a fragrance, you may have a sensitivity. Problems can arise whether you inhale a perfume, apply body lotion, breathe in heavy-duty chemicals during your maid’s deep cleaning session, or whenever you are exposed to scents. Symptoms may resemble hay fever and cause runny nose, sneezing, itchy skin, watery eyes, and headaches. In more severe cases, scents can trigger asthma attacks and migraines, and they may cause wheezing, hives, or rashes.

Why Are They So Potent in Household Products?

You may notice that most cleaning products are heavily scented with lemon, floral notes, or pine. They’re generally used to mask the scent of potent chemical ingredients that may otherwise give the home a medicinal or harsh aroma. The problem occurs when you inhale the chemicals used to create those scents, or when they contact your skin. Although the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates household chemicals on the basis of their toxicity, corrosiveness, and flammability, it does not specifically take fragrance into account. Because there aren’t any formal guidelines to inform consumers, it may be difficult for some individuals to find products that don’t cause allergic reactions.

What Are Some Ways to Minimize Problems?

You may be tempted by “unscented” labels, but these products may also contain odorous chemicals that cause reactions. Only if the product claims to be free of perfume is it truly free of any scent. You can help clear the air by opening windows while you clean or when your maid is working. You might also seek out cleaning companies that focus on more healthful residential cleaning practices.

The team at Maid Brigade of Honolulu, HI, understands the importance of producing a deep clean responsibly. That’s why these qualified maids put their all into each and every residential cleaning project. Offering everything from regular visits to seasonal deep cleaning, they use green home cleaning practices to give your home a spotless finish. They’re proud to use only state-of-the-art equipment and reliable products that leave your space flawless—without any irritating fragrances. Visit the website to find out about their services, or call (808) 377-4024.