Your Office Might Not Actually be “Clean”—Here’s How to Fix It

Over the past few years, I’ve learned more than I ever expected to about toxins—the invisible kind we come into contact with daily, usually without realizing it. From personal care products to the stuff we clean our homes with, the list is long (and a little alarming). I’ve been gradually detoxifying my home, swapping out one product at a time, learning as I go. However, there is one place people go everyday that they might not think about the toxins: their office. 

If you’ve ever walked into your workplace and been hit with that “clean” smell—think bleach, artificial lemon, or that mystery “fresh linen” air freshener—you’ve already had a run-in with the very toxins I’m talking about.

So, I figured it might be helpful to share a few things I’ve learned along the way. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you work from home or go into an office, here are a few simple ways to detoxify your space, starting with two big culprits: cleaning products and fragrances.

First up: cleaning products

Even if you’re not scrubbing the floors yourself, you’re still interacting with whatever’s being used to keep the place “clean.” The surfaces you touch, the air you breathe—these things matter.

Let’s break down a couple of the usual suspects:

Bleach

Bleach has that unmistakable scent people associate with sterile, hospital-grade cleaning. And yes, it’s powerful. But it also comes with some serious health costs. Inhaling bleach can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs—and with repeated exposure, it can actually damage your respiratory system. It’s even classified as a pesticide by the EPA, and it’s one of the top causes of chemical poisoning in children. Bleach is a common ingredient in daily cleaning supplies, such as Clorox multi-surface cleaner.  

What to use instead: Hydrogen peroxide is a solid alternative. It disinfects without releasing harmful fumes!

Ammonia

You’ll find ammonia in a lot of glass and floor cleaners. It’s strong—and harsh. OSHA lists ammonia hydroxide as a “high hazard” for a reason: it can cause skin burns, eye damage, and even life-threatening respiratory issues if inhaled in large enough quantities.

What to use instead: Distilled white vinegar. It’s budget-friendly, easy to find, and surprisingly effective when paired with baking soda or essential oils.

VOCs: The invisible extras

Many cleaning products (even the ones with “natural” on the label) release VOCs—volatile organic compounds—into the air. These contribute to everything from headaches and allergies to long-term respiratory problems. According to a 2023 study by the Environmental Working Group, cleaning products—yes, even some marketed as “green”—emit hundreds of hazardous chemicals. And they don’t just vanish after use. VOCs can linger in the air, quietly affecting your health every time you breathe in.

Some common products that contain VOCs:

• Air fresheners (including sprays and plug-ins)
• Aerosol cleaners
• Chlorine bleach
• Floor polish and furniture sprays
• Oven cleaners
• Dish soaps and laundry detergents

So if your cleaning routine smells heavy in chemicals, it might be time to rethink what “clean” actually means.

Let’s talk fragrance

We all want our spaces to smell good. But most artificial fragrants—whether they come from a candle, plug-in, or spray—are made up of dozens of undisclosed chemicals. That’s because companies can legally hide their fragrance ingredients under one word: “fragrance.” Behind that word, you’ll often find phthalates (linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues), formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), and other compounds known to trigger migraines, asthma, and skin irritation.

Better options?

• Use an essential oil diffuser with high-quality oils (lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus are great for workspaces).
• Simmer lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or herbs in a small pot of water if you’re working from home.
• And don’t underestimate a cracked window or a great air purifier.

How to detoxify your space (without being that coworker)

No one wants to be the person who brings in a five-gallon bucket of vinegar and tries to replace the janitor. But small, thoughtful changes can go a long way.

Here are a few realistic ways to start:

• If you work from home: You’re in charge. Swap your usual products for safer alternatives. It’s one Amazon order or quick grocery run away. Branch Basics are a great alternative! I personally go to my local Refill market for cleaning supplies. 
• In a shared office? Ask what cleaning products are used. If they’re heavy on bleach or ammonia, offer to bring in gentler options (or just suggest the switch).
• Ditch the plug-ins: They’re doing way more harm than good. Try a diffuser or just keep things fresh with air flow and plants.
• Bring in some greenery: Snake plants and spider plants are low-maintenance and help clean the air naturally!
• Consider an air purifier: Especially if you’re sensitive to scents or deal with allergies. You can find small affordable options for your personal space!
  

The bottom line

This isn’t about overhauling your entire world overnight. It’s about being curious, reading labels, asking questions, and doing what you can with what you have. Our bodies are already doing so much every day—why not make things a little easier on them?

Your workspace should support your health, not sabotage it. And the good news? Swapping out just a few products can make a surprisingly big difference – one spray bottle at a time!