How I Was Diagnosed with a Respiratory Condition—At Home—From My Cleaning Routine

You might not even realise the cleaning products you're using are harming your lungs permanently.

  • By Sarah T.

Published: Monday, 11/08/2025

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It Started With a Headache…

The bleach smell hit me before I even finished spraying.


Eyes stinging. Throat dry. A sharp, chemical tang clawing down my lungs.

 

I knew bleach was strong.


What I didn’t realise until later? Studies show that regular exposure to certain cleaning chemicals can damage your lung tissue, comparable to ~20 cigarettes/day over decades.

 

One study even linked weekly use of chemical sprays to a 32% higher risk of developing asthma.

And here I was… breathing it in, in my own kitchen.

 

I’d just “cleaned” my bench.


But instead of feeling fresh and safe, I was coughing into my sleeve, wondering—
Why am I poisoning myself in my own home?

 

Like so many mums, I put up with it for years.


Because the “natural” cleaners I’d tried? They smelled 'lovely' for about 10 seconds… then left streaks, oily residue, and required so much scrubbing I may as well have done it with plain water.

The Problem No One Talks About

Here’s the truth:

  • Chemical cleaners from large supermarket such as Coles and Woolies work… but they can leave invisible residues that end up on the same benches your kids and family members eat from.
  • Natural cleaners often don’t work well enough. They cut corners on ingredients to keep costs down.

Which means we’re all stuck in this frustrating middle ground:


- Toxic or ineffective.
- Headaches or elbow grease.
- A home that’s clean—but doesn’t feel safe.

The Turning Point

One night, I caught my toddler licking the coffee table (yes, really).


And instead of laughing… my stomach dropped.


I knew I’d just sprayed it with something that literally carried a poison warning on the label.

 

That was it. No more harsh chemicals in my home.

 

But I also refused to live with streaky glass, greasy stovetops, and “meh” results.

 

So, I started researching.


Not Pinterest-DIY-cleaner researching… but deep dives into traditional botanical cleaning remedies, modern plant-based surfactants, and essential oil chemistry.


And after months of research, I've finally found a perfect solution.

One spray to change how you clean forever

That's when I found Livvy, a surface cleaner packed with powerful ingredients from plant-based sources and beautiful natural scents, it works on all surfaces, from worktops and splashbacks to tabletops and mirrors.


One that:

  • Infuses your home with lingering, spa-like fragrance (the scent comes from essential oil, not synthetic chemicals!)
  • Cuts through grime as well as (often better than) chemical sprays
  • Leaves no streaks and no sticky residue
  • Is safe around kids, pets, and food surfaces

  • 100% Essential Oil Scents

    Selected from different parts of the world transform cleaning into a sensory escape. 

  • Natural Cleaning Power

    Powerful plant-based cleaning without the toxic chemicals found in supermarket products.

  • Reusable Glass Bottles

    One amber glass bottle replaces 6 plastic cleaners, beautifully designed to display proudly on countertops, not hidden under sinks.

Shop Official Livvy

As soon as I switched to Livvy, my headache and coughing was gone...

Remember how I kept getting headaches and coughing with supermarket sprays? When I switched to Livvy, the discomfort stopped. No more harsh chemical fumes, no more synthetic haze in my kitchen. I kept wondering how it could clean this well without the usual nasties—then I checked the label: plant-based surfactants, IFRA-compliant fragrance, no bleach, no ammonia, no quats. 

 

My favourite part? The scent comes from 100% essential oil sourced from different parts of the world, such as Valencia Spain and Kyoto Japan.

1. A cheerful blend of citrus, grapefruit and petitgrain, inspired by Mediterranean orange blossom in early spring.

2. A calming blend of jasmine, white tea, and sandalwood, inspired by the stillness of early mornings before the world wakes.

3. A refreshing blend of white tea, green tea, and ambrette, Inspired by morning tea rituals in Kyoto.
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Livvy works on almost all surfaces!

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Trusted by over 2,800 Aussies
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Make cleaning your new self-care ritual

I used to hate cleaning. Now I genuinely enjoy it.


For most of human history, homes smelled like real flowers—not lab-made perfume. That’s why I love Livvy’s essential-oil scent. It smells natural, so I can enjoy the lovely fragrance while cleaning.

 

Here’s how I use it:

 

Morning reset (White Tea & Ambrette): three light sprays, wipe, breathe.

 

After cooking (Citrus & Petitgrain): one pass over splash zones—chaos clears, mood lifts.

 

Before guests (Jasmine & Sandalwood) : coffee table, island, handles—instant “your place smells amazing.” 

 

Wind-down: a whisper of Jasmine & Sandalwood on dresser surfaces; lights low, day done.

I Compared the Leading Surface Cleaners So You Don’t Have To

Features

Livvy

Major supermarket brands

No toxic chemicals

Pure essential oils

No single use plastic

Natural ingredients

Pet & Kid friendly

Australian owned

Get the $39 Starter Kit (was $78) — Official Site

Free AU shipping • 30-day returns • Verified link

Livvy Surface Cleaner

50% Off + free amber glass sprayer + 100% cotton waffle cloth

2,800 kits sold this month 

Shop Official Livvy

Hurry up! Sale 50%. Sale ends in:

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100% long lasting natural scent

Non-toxic ingredients

Powerful clean

Works on all surfaces

Shop Official Livvy

30-day money back guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

how do i use livvy's surface clean?

To use Surface Clean*, simply pour the whole 20ml bottle of cleaning concentrate into your Forever Bottle and slowly fill to the top (just below the neck) with tap water. Give the bottle a gentle shake to mix, then enjoy your uplifting clean!

is it safe around pets & children?

Our products are pet-safe, but it's best to rinse thoroughly if used on pet beds or food bowls. And of course, never spray directly on your pets (not that you would!). If your pet has allergies, check with your vet. For bird owners, since birds are extra sensitive to airborne substances, we recommend moving them to another room while cleaning.

which surfaces is surface clean suitable for?

Surface Clean is pH neutral, making it safe for most surfaces, including aluminium, wood, stone, and quartz. For delicate areas, patch test first by spraying onto a cloth and wiping a small spot.

what is the forever glass bottle?

Forever Glass Bottle, free from forever chemicals. A refillable, eco-friendly 300ml glass bottle designed for endless use. Simply pour a 20ml Livvy Surface Clean concentrate into the bottle, top up with tap water, shake, and spray on any surface. We will replace any faulty Forever Bottles or trigger sprays indefinitely, however this does not cover general wear and tear.

what ingredients are there in livvy?

Aqua (Purified Water) → base

Decyl Glucoside → coconut oil

Coco Glucoside → coconut oil + sugar

Cocamidopropyl Betaine → coconut-derived mild surfactant

Propanediol (natural) → corn-derived

Sodium Citrate → citrus-derived salt

Citric Acid → sugar-fermentation (pH balance)

Gluconolactone & Sodium Benzoate → corn-sugar fermentation + food-grade salt
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Copyright © 2025 Livvy. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Livvy. All Rights Reserved.