When you walk into a freshly cleaned office, a pleasant scent can make a strong first impression. Many cleaning services — including those offering premium commercial packages — rely on fragranced cleaning products or air fresheners to leave that “just-cleaned” smell in the air.

But what if that signature scent comes at a cost? As awareness grows around indoor air quality, many businesses are shifting toward fragrance-free cleaning. In this post, we explore the case for fragrance-free offices: why scenting can be problematic, how going fragrance-free can benefit staff and clients, and how cleaning providers like Royce Cleaning can deliver a fresh, clean workplace — without risking headaches, allergies or worse.

Why Scented Offices Aren’t Always a Good Idea

Fragrance = Invisible Chemicals in the Air

Many fragranced products — from air fresheners to cleaning solutions — emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including terpenes like limonene.
Even “green,” “natural” or “organic” scented products are not guaranteed safe: studies show that fragranced products, regardless of marketing claims, often emit potentially hazardous VOCs.

Real Risks: Health, Comfort, Productivity

Population studies across multiple countries (including Australia) show that about one in three people report adverse health effects — headaches, respiratory issues, asthma attacks, migraines — when exposed to fragranced products.
For sensitive individuals — those with asthma, chemical sensitivities, allergies — exposure can be far more serious and even disabling.
Effects aren’t just physical: irritants in air fresheners and scented cleaning products can reduce concentration, increase discomfort, and lower overall productivity.

Scenting Isn’t Always Welcomed — Even by Clients

Interestingly, many people dislike walking into businesses (offices, hotels, etc.) that pump scented air — some exit immediately if they smell air fresheners.
For businesses serving clients (internal or external), scented environments can backfire — especially when clients or visitors have sensitivities.

The Case for Fragrance-Free Offices

✅ Better Health & Well-being for Everyone

Removing fragranced products leads to noticeably better indoor air quality: one controlled study found that VOC concentrations (e.g. from limonene) dropped by up to 96% within two weeks when air fresheners were removed.
A fragrance-free policy helps reduce the risk of headaches, breathing issues, skin irritation, and other symptoms that can affect staff and clients alike.

✅ More Inclusive, Comfortable Work Environment

Offices that go fragrance-free are more welcoming for people with asthma, chemical sensitivities, allergies, or other health conditions — including those who may not willingly disclose their triggers.
It fosters fairness: no one is inadvertently exposed to potentially harmful chemical scents just because someone else enjoys “the smell of cleanliness.”

✅ Boost in Productivity & Morale

When employees don’t have to battle persistent headaches, irritation or discomfort, they can concentrate better, work more efficiently, and take fewer sick days.
A clean, fresh-air environment — rather than a strongly scented one — tends to feel more professional, natural, and less intrusive for everyone entering the space.

How to Implement Fragrance-Free Cleaning — Best Practices

Here are practical steps offices and cleaning providers can take to maintain cleanliness without the downsides of scents:

Use fragrance-free or low-VOC cleaning products. Many effective cleaning supplies are available without added scents — and they avoid the chemical emissions associated with traditional air fresheners.
Improve ventilation. Opening windows, using HVAC properly, and ensuring good air circulation reduces any lingering VOCs or irritants after cleaning.
Prompt cleaning schedules. Rather than masking odours with scents, regular and thorough cleaning (floors, carpets, bathrooms) prevents odours naturally, reducing the temptation to “freshen up” with chemical sprays.
Communicate a scent-policy. Make it clear to staff, clients or tenants that the space is fragrance-free — and why. This transparency promotes inclusivity, accommodates people with sensitivities, and signals commitment to health and well-being.

As Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends, scent-free workplaces often encourage staff and visitors through signage and policy guidelines to avoid scented products.

Why This Matters for Royce Cleaning and Your Clients

As a professional cleaning provider, offering fragrance-free cleaning gives you a competitive edge — especially in a market where health, inclusivity, and environmental awareness are rising priorities.

Market differentiation: Many clients — especially offices, medical practices, co-working spaces, or organisations with diverse populations — will value a fragrance-free service as more health-conscious, inclusive, and progressive.
Lower liability and complaints: With fewer chemical irritants in the air, there are fewer chances of triggering headaches, asthma or other adverse reactions. This means fewer complaints, less sick leave, and better client retention.
Better indoor air quality: Beyond the surface-level “clean scent,” you’re genuinely improving air quality — which supports long-term well-being and satisfaction for occupants.

While a scented office may feel “cleaner” at first, the hidden costs of chemical exposure — from headaches to respiratory irritation — are real and widespread. Research consistently shows that fragranced products emit VOCs, many linked to adverse health effects.

For businesses and cleaning providers alike, adopting a fragrance-free cleaning approach is not only a safer, healthier choice — it’s a smarter business decision.

If you value genuine cleanliness, comfort, and health for staff and clients, opting for fragrance-free cleaning is a simple but powerful shift.