2026 resolution suggestion: excommunicate fragrance chemicals from your home!

December 31, 2025

As time runs out on 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what we were able to accomplish this year, and ways that we can be better next year.

It probably comes as no surprise, but when our minds have a chance to wander, they routinely find their way to pure natural freshness. (It’s why we started this whole thing to begin with.)

We’re not telling you want to do with your life, but if a diet that’ll be dead by Valentine’s Day just ain’t it this new year, may we suggest you adopt something that’ll leave your home, body, mind, and soul feeling fresher?

It’s time to say goodbye to fragrance chemicals

If you’ve been living under a rock—or if you’re new to the ODX clergy—fragrance chemicals are most home cleaning product manufacturers’ easy way out. Other brands use them because they’re cheap, they last an unnaturally long time, and they seem to smell great. (Although when you spend a little time to re-train your brain, many find the synthetic mirage of fragrance chemicals to be quite off-putting.)

In that spirit, here are four at-home DIY solutions that will make it a breeze to replace home products typically infused with fragrance chemicals with purer, more natural solutions you can feel great about.

1. Laundry Detergent (Powder)

Best for regular loads and HE machines

You’ll need

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• ½ cup grated castile soap or mild bar soap

How

Mix everything well and store in a jar.

Use

1–2 tablespoons per load.

Why it works

Washing soda lifts dirt, baking soda softens water, soap handles the grime.

2. Deodorant (Cream)

Gentle, customizable, aluminum-free

You’ll need

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• Optional: 5–10 drops essential oil

How

Mix into a smooth paste. Store in a small jar.

Use

Pea-sized amount per underarm.

Why it works

If you have sensitive skin, reduce baking soda and add more arrowroot.

3. Dryer Sheets (Reusable)

Zero waste, zero weird residue

Option A: wool balls

• Toss 2–3 wool dryer balls in the dryer
• Optional: add 2–3 drops essential oil

Option B: cloth strips

• Cut old cotton fabric into squares
• Lightly dampen with white vinegar before tossing in dryer

Why it works

Reduces static, softens clothes, no synthetic fragrance fog.

4. Surface Cleaner/Spray

All-purpose and kitchen-safe

You’ll need

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Optional: citrus peels or 10 drops essential oil

How

Combine in a spray bottle. Let citrus infuse for a few days if using peels.

Use

Counters, sinks, appliances (avoid natural stone).

Why fragrance is evil

We’ve discussed it ad nauseum, but to reiterate: rational minds—equipped with all the relevant information—could only come to the conclusion that fragrance is Satan, or at the very least, a demonic cousin hellbent on deceiving the world about the nature of its molecular composition.