We’ve all been there. The sparkling bathroom. The sharp pine scent. That sense of satisfaction that your home is finally “clean.”

For generations, this has been the standard - achieved with powerful conventional cleaners and a deep breath of what we assumed was freshness.

But what if that version of clean comes with hidden costs?

At Natuary, we believe clean shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. Every ingredient in our formulas is selected not just for what it removes, but for what it leaves behind—and what it doesn’t. Here's a closer look at what many conventional cleaners contribute to your home environment, and how our approach is intentionally different.

The Air You Breathe: Invisible Invaders

Most conventional cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - carbon-based chemicals that evaporate into the air and enter your lungs. That strong “cleaner smell”? It’s often a blend of these compounds.

Impact on Lungs
Breathing VOCs can irritate your airways, triggering coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. For those with asthma or allergies, these reactions can be more severe. Over time, even low levels of exposure can contribute to chronic respiratory conditions.

Other Health Effects
Beyond the lungs, VOCs are linked to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and—in high or prolonged exposure—damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.

Common Culprits
You’ll often find VOCs in ingredients like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and glycol ethers - present in everything from glass sprays to multipurpose cleaners.

The Residue Left Behind: More Than Just Shine

Cleaning isn’t just about removing dirt - it’s also about what remains on the surface. Conventional formulas often leave behind a thin, invisible layer of chemical residue.

Skin Contact
This residue can be absorbed through the skin, leading to irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions.

Environmental Load
When rinsed down the drain, many of these ingredients enter our waterways. They’re often non-biodegradable, which means they persist in the environment, harming aquatic ecosystems and interrupting natural cycles.

Bioaccumulation
Some substances don’t just disappear, they accumulate, moving up the food chain and posing long-term risks to both wildlife and humans.

The Problem with “Fragrance”

“Fragrance” might sound harmless but on an ingredient label, it’s often a placeholder for dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.

Allergens & Sensitizers
Fragrance compounds are among the most common indoor allergens. They can trigger headaches, respiratory symptoms, and skin reactions—especially for those with sensitivities or conditions like Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

Phthalates & Hormonal Disruption
Some fragrances include phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and long-term reproductive or developmental risks. These aren’t trace concerns—they’re real health impacts, baked into the scent.

Natuary’s Difference: Intentional Cleaning

We believe a clean home should also be a safe one - free from invisible burdens. That’s why we formulate differently from the start.

No Harsh VOCs
We intentionally avoid ingredients that off-gas harmful VOCs. That means safer air for your lungs, and peace of mind after every spray.

Something Better Left Behind
Instead of chemical residue, our household cleaner leaves beneficial probiotics -microbes that continue to work long after you wipe. They reactivate with moisture and organic matter, helping rebalance the microbiome of your home’s surfaces.

Fragrance-Free (by Design)
We don’t use masking agents or synthetic scent blends. No phthalates. No endocrine disruptors. No cover-ups.

And yes, while our laundry detergent proved too effective to hold onto fragrance, we’re not opposed to developing safe scent options for our household cleaning concentrate in the future - but only with full transparency and careful vetting.

Biodegradable, Plant-Based Ingredients
We use biodegradable, plant-derived ingredients selected for what they do and how they return to the earth. From sugar-based surfactants to high-performing naturals, every component is chosen for its cleaning power and environmental profile. Built to work hard and leave nothing harmful behind.

Clean That Means More
Choosing cleaning products is more than a surface decision. It’s a choice about what lingers in your air, what touches your skin, and what flows back into the world.

We’re here to make that choice easier without fear tactics. Feel confident using Natuary's high-performance Household Cleaning Concentrate made with clarity, intention, and zero trade-offs.

Want a closer look at what's inside? Every ingredient mentioned here is detailed in our Ingredient Library including their EWG ratings.