Homeowner Seeks Advice After Side Effects From Popular Cleaner: 'Makes Me Feel Sick'

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We all know certain cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to our health. But when you purchase a household cleaner at the grocery store, you assume it is fit for everyday use. That's what one customer thought when they cleaned their entire home with the popular household cleaner, Fabuloso. In a Reddit post, they said they were very happy with the results and praised the product for its cleaning abilities. However, things took a turn after that. "Well the next few days I had headaches and was nauseous from the scent," the Reddit user said. It was bad enough to warrant re-cleaning the house with vinegar and baking soda in hopes of getting rid of the lingering smell, though they reported it didn't fully work. They asked for suggestions of a more natural product that cleans just as well as Fabuloso, but without the smell. 

While it is certainly true that some people will be more sensitive than others to odors and ingredients in cleaning products, this doesn't appear to be an isolated experience with Fabuloso. Several people commented on the Reddit thread sharing similar symptoms when they've used the popular cleaner, and other Reddit posts mention additional side effects including vertigo, dizziness, brain fog, and coughing. For many, these ailments are severe enough to avoid Fabuloso altogether. "Personally, it's an instant migraine trigger because of the strong smell so I avoid it," another Reddit user wrote.

Many homeowners reach for Fabuloso thanks to its effective cleaning performance, and even some professional cleaners use the product for their services. In fact, one Reddit user shared their home's HVAC and air ducts were professionally cleaned using Fabuloso. But the popular cleaner is not without its controversies. For starters, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that assesses consumer products for human health and environmental protection, rates 20 Fabuloso products as "High Concern" cleaners due to their ingredients, all earning a "D" or "F" grade from the organization. In addition, the brand's Multi-Purpose Cleaner was recalled in 2023 due to potential exposure to bacteria that could prove harmful to people with weakened immune systems.

Fabuloso's All Purpose Cleaner was also included in a study published by the American Journal of Nursing on the effects of certain cleaning and disinfectant products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on asthma symptoms. Notably, dozens of other products were also included in the study, and increased exposure to harsher cleaning products at home was significantly linked to worse asthma control. The EWG supports this claim, citing that many of Fabuloso's liquid cleaner varieties pose some asthma and respiratory health concerns.

It's important to note that Fabuloso is an everyday cleaning product that works best when watered down. While you can use it straight for spot cleaning, Fabuloso's user instructions on all their liquid cleaners state that you should dilute the solution before cleaning, including their original formula. Always dilute Fabuloso with water, especially if you're worried about the strong scent or potential health concerns.

While there are some unexpected things around the home that Fabuloso cleans well, including trash cans and tile floors, there are plenty of alternatives to the popular cleaner for those who are bothered by the smell or sensitive to its ingredients. If you're looking for a new cleaner, your pantry is a great place to start. Try mixing equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, which makes a great all-purpose cleaner. Add a little dish soap as a degreaser, as well as a few drops of essential oil for a refreshing scent. Pre-treat problem areas with a baking soda paste (three parts baking soda and one part water) before following up with your DIY cleaner.

Importantly, the American Journal of Nursing study mentioned above found that vinegar and baking soda — whether used separately or together — had low asthma and respiratory health concerns among its participants. If you are sensitive to the smell of vinegar, other DIY ingredients like rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, dish soap, and castile soap may be better options. If you'd prefer a store-bought option, the EWG Guide also offers its list of EWG Verified products, which meet the organization's strict standards for health and transparency. All-purpose cleaners that bear the EWG Verified seal of approval include Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds biodegradable cleaner, and Attitude All Purpose Cleaner spray. If you're after an effective cleaner with a noticeably clean scent, try these other non-toxic Fabulouso alternatives that will leave your home smelling fresh.