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Pledge Household

Pledge contains synthetic fragrances, VOCs, and polishing agents that may cause skin, respiratory, or neurological symptoms in sensitive individuals. Avoid it for 8 weeks, choose safer, natural alternatives, and support your detox pathways to reduce your reactivity and feel better.

🧴 What is Pledge (Household Cleaner)?
Pledge is a household surface cleaner and polish commonly used on wood, glass, and electronics. It contains synthetic fragrances, silicones, solvents (like isoparaffins or butane), and preservatives, designed to clean and shine surfaces. While effective, these ingredients can cause chemical sensitivities, respiratory irritation, or skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

πŸ€” Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Pledge?
Your sensitivity to Pledge may come from its fragrance chemicals and solvent-based ingredients, which impact your detox pathways, nervous system, and skin:

  • Synthetic fragrances – May trigger headaches, sinus pressure, dizziness, or rashes.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Released as fumes, VOCs can irritate the lungs and affect indoor air quality.
  • Propellants (butane, propane) – Common in aerosol Pledge sprays and can trigger breathing issues or dizziness.
  • Preservatives & solvents – These may overwhelm liver detoxification and trigger inflammation or allergic-like responses.
  • Skin contact or inhalation – Leads to ongoing low-level exposure, especially when used on furniture or frequently touched surfaces.

πŸ› οΈ What Can I Do About It?

  • Avoid Pledge for 8 weeks – Give your body time to reset and reduce chemical exposure.
  • Use fragrance-free, plant-based cleaners – Choose natural wood or multi-surface cleaners.
  • Polish with safer alternatives – Olive oil and vinegar can clean and shine wood without harmful chemicals.
  • Improve ventilation – Open windows or use fans while cleaning to reduce indoor chemical buildup.
  • Wear gloves and avoid aerosol sprays – Reduce skin and inhalation exposure.

πŸ’Š Which Supplements Can Help with Pledge Sensitivity?

πŸ’Š Supportive Options:

  • Glutathione – Boosts detox capacity and helps clear synthetic solvents and VOCs.
  • Vitamin C – Protects cells from chemical stress and supports your immune system.
  • Quercetin – Reduces histamine and allergic-like reactions to chemical exposure.
  • Magnesium – Calms the nervous system and supports smooth detoxification.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – Help reduce inflammation from skin or respiratory irritation.

🌟 Why Might I Have an Intolerance to Pledge but Not Other Household Cleaners?

  • Strong synthetic fragrance blend – Pledge often contains more concentrated, long-lasting scents.
  • Aerosol format – Increases airborne chemical exposure compared to wipes or sprays.
  • Polish-specific additives – Silicones and solvents may irritate more than basic cleaning ingredients.
  • High VOC release – Makes it more reactive for people with chemical sensitivities or respiratory conditions.

🍽️ Common Uses of Pledge Household Cleaner:

  • Wood furniture and cabinetry
  • Stainless steel and glass surfaces
  • Electronics and screen dusting
  • Decorative items and countertops

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated):

  • Vinegar and olive oil for wood surfaces
  • Fragrance-free, plant-based dusting sprays
  • Microfiber cloths for dry polishing
  • Castile soap diluted in water for surface cleaning