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We have tolerated toxic dishwasher products as a necessary evil knowing that hand washing everything is a non-starter for busy households – especially when cooking from scratch. Many of us have looked with despair at the extended list of complex-sounding ingredients...

Simple swaps to reduce everyday chemical exposure January often brings a desire to reset — not just diets or routines, but the spaces we live in every day. For many households, a home detox isn’t about extreme change. It’s about understanding why everyday chemical exposure matters, and where small, practical choices can make a meaningful difference. Why reducing everyday chemical exposure matters Most people are exposed to a wide range of chemicals every day through the products they use in their homes. Cleaning sprays, laundry detergents and washing up liquids are among the most frequent sources of exposure because they are used regularly, often indoors, and in close contact with skin, clothing and food surfaces. Concern isn’t usually about a single product or ingredient — it’s about everyday, cumulative exposure over time. Public health and environmental organisations highlight that concern is about cumulative exposure over time — sometimes described as the “chemical cocktail” effect¹. While individual exposures may be small, repeated daily contact can add up, particularly in enclosed indoor environments. Research also shows that many household products release chemicals into indoor air during and after use, contributing to indoor air pollution². Indoor air can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air, especially in winter when ventilation is reduced³. Fragranced household products are a well-recognised contributor to this indoor chemical load⁴⁵. Because these exposures are routine and ongoing, precautionary organisations such as Breast Cancer UK encourage reducing avoidable exposure where practical — particularly from products used most often in the home¹. "So many of our everyday products that we use in our homes contain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals or EDCs. These are harmful chemicals that may interfere with the endocrine system by mimicking or blocking the action of hormones, which can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer as well as other health issues. Detoxing your home is one of the best steps you can take today to reduce your exposure to EDCs and thereby lower your risk of breast cancer." - Breast Cancer UK. A home detox is therefore not about fear or perfection. It is about making informed, proportionate choices that help reduce unnecessary chemical exposure as part of everyday life. Image credit: Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash What is a home detox? In the context of household products, a home detox does not mean eliminating everything at once or creating a sterile environment. It simply means: Reducing unnecessary synthetic chemicals where possible Choosing simpler formulations for everyday use Improving indoor air quality by avoiding heavily fragranced products Making gradual swaps rather than overwhelming changes Focusing on high-frequency products is one of the most effective ways to reduce overall exposure over time¹². Why January is a good time to start January is often when routines are calmer and people are more open to small resets. It is also a time when: Homes are less ventilated due to cold weather Cleaning and laundry routines continue daily Indoor air quality can worsen due to regular use of fragranced products Public health guidance highlights that reduced ventilation in winter can increase indoor concentrations of airborne chemicals³. Making a few targeted swaps at this time of year can therefore have a noticeable impact without requiring a full household overhaul. Focus on the products you use most A practical home detox works best when it starts with products that are used repeatedly and come into close contact with people every day. Cleaning sprays and surfaces Multi-surface sprays are often used daily and frequently contain fragrance formulations designed to linger. Studies show that fragranced cleaning products can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during and after use, contributing to indoor air pollution⁴⁵. Choosing fragrance-free or simply formulated alternatives can help reduce inhalation exposure, particularly in kitchens and living spaces². Laundry products Laundry detergent residues remain in close contact with skin through clothing, towels and bedding. Research has identified laundry products as a significant source of prolonged skin and inhalation exposure to fragrance chemicals and surfactants⁶. For many households, switching to gentler, fragrance-free laundry products is one of the most effective home detox steps. Washing up liquids Washing up liquids are used daily on items that come into direct contact with food and hands. Simpler formulations can help reduce skin irritation and minimise chemical residues left on dishes and cookware⁷. The role of Castile soap in a January home detox Castile soap is often overlooked, but it can play a useful role in a home detox because of its versatility and simplicity. Traditionally made from plant oils rather than synthetic surfactants, Castile soap can help reduce the number of different products used in the home. Reducing the total number of products can also reduce cumulative exposure to preservatives, fragrances and other additives¹². During January, Castile soap can be used for: Diluted surface cleaning Handwashing Sink and tap cleaning Laundry pre-treatment or gentle handwashing For households new to Castile soap, starting with a single use and expanding gradually allows routines to simplify without disruption. Fragrance-free as a safe starting point Fragrance is one of the most complex components of household products. A single fragrance formulation can contain dozens of individual chemicals, many of which do not need to be disclosed on product labels⁸. Fragrance-free products provide a neutral baseline, particularly for sensitive skin, people with allergies or asthma⁹, pregnancy, and homes with babies, children or pets. Respiratory and public health organisations increasingly recognise fragrance as a contributor to indoor air pollution and irritation, particularly in enclosed spaces³⁹¹⁰. Sensitive skin, allergies and winter flare-ups Winter can be a particularly challenging time for people with sensitive skin, eczema, allergies or asthma. Colder weather, lower humidity and increased indoor heating can dry the skin and compromise the skin barrier, making irritation more likely. At the same time, people often rely more heavily on fragranced cleaning and laundry products while spending longer indoors, which can increase both skin contact and inhalation exposure³⁹. Respiratory and allergy organisations note that fragranced household products can aggravate symptoms in sensitive individuals, particularly in enclosed spaces⁹¹⁰. For these households, switching to fragrance-free, simply formulated products during winter can be a practical way to reduce avoidable triggers and support skin comfort until conditions improve in spring. A gentle, realistic approach The most successful home detoxes are the ones that fit into real life. There is no need to replace everything at once or follow strict rules. Evidence suggests that reducing cumulative exposure through small, sustained changes is more realistic — and potentially more effective — than drastic short-term interventions¹²¹¹. January is about setting intentions, not perfection. Reducing everyday chemical exposure through practical product choices is one small but meaningful way to support a healthier home environment over the year ahead. References Breast Cancer UK. Chemicals and everyday exposures. https://chemtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/BCexposuretochemicals.pdf World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants. Copenhagen; 2010. Link UK Health Security Agency. Indoor air quality at home. Link Steinemann A. Volatile emissions from common consumer products. Air Qual Atmos Health. 2015;8(3):273–281. Link Nazaroff WW, Weschler CJ. Cleaning products and air fresheners: exposure to primary and secondary air pollutants. Atmos Environ. 2004;38(18):2841–2865. Link Dodson RE, et al. Endocrine disruptors and consumer products. Environ Health Perspect. 2012;120(7):935–943. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22398195/ European Chemicals Agency. Understanding chemical exposure. Link Environmental Working Group. Guide to fragrance ingredients. Link Asthma UK. Cleaning products and asthma. Link British Lung Foundation. Household cleaning and lung health. Link European Commission. Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. Link McKenzie LM, et al. Household chemical exposures and cumulative risk. Environ Res. 2014;132:373–381. Link Further reading https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17476348.2025.2478968 https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.201706-1311OC

Itch Less. Sleep Better. Dress with Confidence. Living with eczema, psoriasis or sensitive skin isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about trying to get a decent night’s sleep, feeling confident in what you wear, and avoiding the next unpredictable flare-up. Whether you're dressing a child who can’t bear itchy seams, trying to find relief for your own sore skin, or simply looking for better comfort day to day, what you wear matters—a lot more than most people realise. Why Fabric is Often the Missing Piece We’re increasingly mindful about what goes on our skin—fragrance-free creams, gentle cleansers, and plant-based laundry detergents. But few stop to consider what’s rubbing against it all day long. For people with eczema, psoriasis, allergies or sensitive skin, clothing can make or break your skin health. Eczema Clothing’s own surveys have confirmed that over 50% of people with skin conditions experience: ·      Severe itching and broken skin from scratching ·      Disrupted sleep caused by sore, broken skin discomfort or heat ·      Irritation from seams, elastic, or synthetic fibres ·      A constant fear of triggering flare-ups And still, most high street clothing just doesn’t consider these issues. That’s why at Eczema Clothing  we do things differently. The Skin-Safe Fabric Formula: What Works and Why Clothing should support skin healing—not make it worse. That’s why we champion natural fibres, especially 100% organic cotton, for their proven skin-calming benefits: ·      Breathable and cooling – Helps regulate body temperature and reduce flare-ups ·      Soft and gentle – Soothes rather than aggravates sore, broken or reactive skin ·      Hypoallergenic – Minimises risk of allergic responses and irritation ·      No harsh chemicals – Grown and processed without synthetic pesticides or dyes ·      Durable and easy to wash at high temps – Washing at 60°C removes dust mites, creams, allergens and bacteria (unlike lower temperatures) Other natural options include silk (luxuriously soft but delicate), bamboo (moisture-wicking), and Tencel (smooth and breathable)— but generally these can only be washed at lower temperatures and may use chemicals in their manufacture. Not all “natural” equals skin-friendly e.g. wool can irritate and feel coarse on sensitive skin. It’s about choosing fabrics that truly work with your skin—not against it.     These benefits aren’t just theoretical. In a survey of over 350 Eczema Clothing customers 98% said our garments help them manage eczema and sensitive skin and over 75% (3 in 4) of customers said our clothes help reduce itching. Read Survey Results here At Eczema Clothing, we’ve built our range around the materials that truly work—not just for occasional use, but for daily, comfortable, long-lasting wear. Thoughtfully Designed for Real Life Our garments don’t just use better fabrics—they’re designed better too. Every product in our Cotton Comfort collection is developed with input from people living with eczema or sensitive skin and trialled by our team before it ever reaches you. Key features include: ·      Flat seams and no internal labels – To prevent rubbing or chafing ·      Integrated scratch mittens – To protect skin from scratching ·      No Velcro, zips, or irritating fastenings ·      Latex-free designs ·      Machine washable at 60°C – Vital for removing creams, allergens, and bacteria Because when you're dealing with a skin condition, everything—from the texture of your socks to how your sleeves sit—makes a difference. More Than a Brand: A Trusted Community We’re a small, passionate team who’ve lived with the issues you’re navigating. Our purpose is simple - to significantly reduce the impact of eczema and other itchy skin conditions.  That’s why, as well as clothing, we also offer: ·      Educational blogs and skin health guides ·      A private Facebook group for adults and parents dealing with eczema ·      Support to organisations like Eczema Outreach Support and BSACI ·      A carefully curated range of natural skincare we trust Enabling you and your family to live more comfortably and confidently through our clothing, skincare and advice. Comfort You Can Feel Good About Whether you’re looking for relief from irritated skin, shopping for a child with sensory needs, or simply want clothes that feel better to wear—our designs put comfort first. We use natural fabrics and thoughtful construction to create clothing that’s gentle on skin and kind to the planet. No harsh dyes, no scratchy labels, no compromises. So, if you already choose fragrance-free skincare, plant-based cleaning products, or simply value well-made essentials—you’ll feel right at home with us. Explore our full range of eczema-friendly clothing, accessories and skincare—designed by people who truly understand sensitive skin. Browse the range at www.eczemaclothing.com or contact us for personalised advice. Tried. Tested. Trusted. Since 1980.

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