The One Cleaning Product Experts Say to Stop Using Right Now

Who doesn't want a fresh-smelling home? But take care: You want your home to actually be clean—not just smell like it. In fact, a heavily perfumed approach can actually work against you. Strongly scented all-purpose sprays and air fresheners can leave behind residue, diminish indoor air quality, and mask the very odors that signal something still needs attention.

Below, why pros say it’s time to break up with fragrance-heavy cleaners and air fresheners and what they recommend instead.

Why Experts Want You to Stop Using Heavily Fragranced Household Sprays

One problem with strong fragrance is that it can create a false sense of cleanliness. It’s not addressing the source; it’s simply covering it. “Strong fragrance often masks odors instead of removing them,” cleaning expert and Cleansnob founder, Cindy Hendler, says. “Over time, it can dull your sense of smell, making it harder to notice what actually needs attention.”

That’s a bigger deal than it sounds. A household odor can remind you that the trash needs to be taken out, when a sink drain has started to collect buildup, or when the fridge is overdue for a wipe-down. If everything smells like a product, it becomes easier to miss the small maintenance steps that prevent bigger problems later.

There’s also the residue factor, which is particularly common with multi-surface sprays used frequently to cleanse countertops, cabinets, appliances, and floors. “I also see residue buildup from these products on many household surfaces, which can leave them looking dull and attract more dust,” Hendler explains. “In my experience, more product does not mean cleaner. It often means more buildup.”

Carolina McCauley, one of Forbes’s top home improvement creators, agrees that fragrance-heavy multi-surface cleaners can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to indoor air quality. "Many contain strong synthetic fragrances and unnecessary additives that can linger in indoor air long after cleaning," she explains. "Overuse may contribute to irritation for people sensitive to scents." You want guests to be comfortable in your tidy home—not coughing or tearing up due to the fragrances you used to make it simply smell good. Perfume is not a proxy for clean.

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What to Use Instead for a Better, Fresher Clean

If the goal is a home that feels genuinely fresh (not just fragranced), experts recommend paring down your routine and looking for more tailored solutions. "For everyday cleaning, I recommend simplifying routines with targeted products instead of one heavy cleaner for everything," says McCauley. "Warm water with a small amount of dish soap is extremely effective for grease and daily grime."

She also points to a tool that makes a surprisingly big difference: “Microfiber cloths also dramatically improve cleaning performance because they physically lift dirt rather than spreading it,” she says. "For disinfection when needed, using an approved disinfectant according to label instructions is more effective than relying on heavily scented products for perceived cleanliness."

The common thread is you don’t need a stronger smell. You need smarter tools—and a cleaning routine you can stick to.