Why Fragrance-Free Dishwashing Products Are the Clear Choice for Healthier Homes
- Pam Tatom
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 11
When we think about indoor air quality, we often focus on obvious culprits—candles, air fresheners, or dust—but there’s one major offender that often goes overlooked: fragranced dishwashing detergents.
That artificial lemon scent lingering on your “clean” plates isn’t just unnecessary—it’s potentially harmful. Many of these fragrances are made up of chemicals which when released during dishwashing, especially with hot water or in a dishwasher’s drying cycle, can linger in the air and on your dishes.
This becomes particularly concerning in homes with babies and toddlers. Plastic sippy cups, bottles, and small utensils often absorb the fragrances and chemicals from scented detergents more readily than glass or ceramic. These residues can then leach into your child's food or drink. Considering how vulnerable developing bodies are to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and respiratory irritants, this is a risk not worth taking.
And let’s be honest—why would anyone want their dishes to smell like artificial lemon, lavender, or “mountain breeze”? These scents may mask the smell of dirty dishes, but they can also interfere with the flavor of your meals. A fresh salad, a hot cup of tea, or a bowl of pasta shouldn’t come with a side of synthetic aroma.
Better Options for Your Dishwasher
One of my favorites is Simple Truth Triple Power Dishwasher Pacs. Not only are they fragrance-free and effective, but they also include a built-in rinse aid—saving you a step and helping to reduce residue and water spots.
For extra-dirty loads or a periodic dishwasher refresh, I’ve had great success with Dirty Labs Enzyme Booster. This eco-friendly booster uses natural enzymes to break down stuck-on food and helps keep your dishwasher itself clean and fresh, all without harsh chemicals or perfumes. Just throw a scoop of this in the dishwasher pan for periodic boosted cleaning!
A Better Way to Hand Wash
If you’re still using fragranced liquid dish soap at the sink, it might be time to rethink that too.
A great alternative is Seventh Generation Dish Liquid. It’s fragrance-free, tough on grease, and gentle on everything else. This brand is committed to ingredient transparency and safer cleaning.
Their motto, “Clean with Purpose,” really resonates. It’s about more than just removing food—it’s about making thoughtful choices that are better for your health, your home, and the environment.
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