Being Fragrance-Free at MAPLE

Members of our community have severe and debilitating allergies and sensitivities to synthetic fragrances (as well as dust, mold, and certain foods). If you visit MAPLE or attend a MAPLE event, we appreciate your help in caring for these community members by helping us maintain an environment that is completely free from synthetic fragrances. This guide has been prepared to help you prepare to be as fragrance-free as possible upon arrival and throughout your stay.

What is the difference between an allergy and a sensitivity?

The two are very different. An allergy is an immune malfunction to a substance that is not generally harmful for most people (e.g. cat and dog dander). A sensitivity is a correct but heightened immune response to a pollutant that is harmful to all life.

Despite their prolific use in public spaces, synthetic fragrances are known neurotoxins and universal indoor air pollutants. (Click here and here for references.) By striving to be fragrance-free at MAPLE (and beyond), you are honoring your own body and that of others, cultivating mindful awareness, and reducing your environmental footprint.

Lately, we have noticed a surge in the strength and relentlessness of synthetic fragrance in commonly used detergents and sanitizers. We request that all of our guests keep this issue in mind as they follow preliminary de-fragrancing procedures at home to prepare for their arrival.

General Rule of Thumb: If it isn’t labeled “Fragrance Free,” don’t bring it or use it in the weeks before your arrival. Start as soon as possible. This may mean purchasing fragrance-free alternatives to your usual hygiene products (see product recommendations and links at the bottom of this email). The words “fragrance” and “parfum” in ingredient lists mean that chemical fragrances are present. Natural products lightly scented with essential oils are fine.

At our events, or before arrival as a guest, please:

  • Avoid wearing any items with synthetic fragrance at our events, or packing products with fragrance for use during your stay - see below.
  • Avoid using products with synthetic fragrance in the weeks prior to your arrival. This includes shampoos, conditioners, laundry detergents, perfumes, deodorants, etc.
  • If you use detergent or dryer sheets with synthetic fragrance, you will need to eliminate the traces of fragrance from your clothes before coming - see below.
  • If you regularly visit Monastic Academy, please do not purchase, use, or wear products with synthetic fragrance.

As a guest, upon arrival at the Monastic Academy:

  • A member of MAPLE will inspect your personal hygiene and cosmetic products to ensure that they are not synthetically fragranced.
  • If you have traces of fragrance on your clothes or in your hair, we may ask you to:
    • Maintain distance from community members with sensitivities
    • Borrow and wear our clothing
    • Wash your hair with baking soda and vinegar up to several times

Frequently asked questions

What are the ingredients and products I need to avoid?

Synthetic fragrance can be found in:

  • Personal hygiene products, including, but not limited to, soaps, shampoo, and body wash
  • Cosmetic products like perfume and cologne
  • Cleaning/laundry products like detergent and dryer sheets
  • Clothes that have interacted with any of these products
  • Hand sanitizer being dispensed in public places
  • Furniture and upholstery in public places

My clothes have traces of synthetic fragrance on them from my personal hygiene, cosmetics, or cleaning products. How do I remove those traces before my visit?

Baking soda, vinegar, and the sun work to reduce or eliminate the presence of fragrance. We recommend you gather all the clothes you plan to bring to MAPLE and go through the following process.

  • Wash your clothes with unscented detergent or water and a handful of baking soda, and then dry them without dryer sheets or fabric softener. Make sure not to use too much baking soda, as it will clump up and stick to clothing. A handful is good. Smell after washing - you will likely need to do this several times.
  • Alternatively, you may soak your clothing for up to one day in a vinegar + water solution before washing them.
  • Vinegar and baking soda counteract one another, so do not use them together.
  • Expose your clothes to sunlight by hanging them out on a clothesline. The longer they hang, the better.
  • Email us if you are having trouble removing stubborn fragrances –we have additional tips and tricks we can share.

Note that washers and dryers, like your clothes, will carry traces of the synthetic fragrance. Sanitize your washing machine (this may take several tries) with baking soda before trying to de-fragrance your clothing. While drying by sun is best, if you need to use a dryer, you will also need to de-scent it first. If you are unable to de-scent your washer and dryer, make sure to expose your clothes to sunlight for as long as possible.

We acknowledge that this is a difficult process, most everyone has trouble with it! We are happy to provide you with clothing to wear during your stay if you arrive fragranced.

Shopping list

There are many products that will work; we’ve made this list to make things as easy as possible for you to prepare for your visit: