How Cleaning Products Affect Eczema – What You Need to Know
Keeping your home clean is important, but if you or someone in your household has eczema, those everyday cleaning products might be doing more harm than good. Many sprays, bleaches, and surface cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, trigger flare-ups, or worsen existing eczema.
Let’s break down how cleaning products affect eczema and what you can do to protect your skin.
Why Cleaning Products Are a Problem for Eczema
Eczema is a condition where the skin barrier is weakened, making it more sensitive to irritants and allergens. Cleaning products—especially those designed to kill bacteria or remove tough grime—often contain ingredients that are too harsh for sensitive skin.
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Common Ingredients That Trigger Eczema:
Bleach
Ammonia
Fragrances and artificial scents
Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone (MI)
Solvents and degreasers
These can dry out your skin, strip its natural oils, and cause redness, itching, and burning—especially on the hands, arms, and face.
Everyday Exposure Can Be Risky
Even if you’re not touching the products directly, fumes, sprays, and residue can linger in the air and on surfaces. Just walking barefoot on a recently mopped floor or wiping down a table without gloves can irritate eczema-prone skin.
How to Reduce Flare-Ups from Cleaning
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Wear gloves – Choose non-latex, cotton-lined gloves to protect your hands when cleaning.
Use eczema-safe products – Look for cleaning products labeled as “sensitive” or “natural,” with no added fragrance or harsh chemicals.
Ventilate your space – Always clean in well-ventilated areas to avoid breathing in irritating fumes.
Rinse surfaces thoroughly – If you use stronger cleaners, make sure to rinse off any residue with water.
Moisturise after cleaning – Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to restore moisture and soothe the skin.
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Natural Alternatives to Try
If you want to ditch the harsh stuff altogether, here are some eczema-friendly cleaning alternatives:
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White vinegar – Great for windows, mirrors, and surfaces
Baking soda – Perfect for scrubbing sinks or deodorising carpets
Castile soap – A gentle, multi-purpose natural cleaner
Microfibre cloths – Can clean with just water
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Final Thoughts
Cleaning is a must—but so is protecting your skin. If you’re living with eczema, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s in your cleaning cupboard. Making small changes to your routine and products can have a big impact on your skin health.
At Eczema Eaze, we’re here to help you create a cleaner home and calmer skin—one product at a time.