Branch Basics: The Concentrate (Fragrance-Free)

Important note on cleaning products

When I choose cleaning products, I’m focused on limiting unnecessary chemical exposure in the home. I avoid heavy fragrance, dyes, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and harsh disinfectant-style ingredients unless they’re truly needed. I also steer clear of products that rely on VOCs, parabens, or vague “fragrance” blends to do the cleaning. I look for simpler formulas that work without overloading the air or surfaces with residues.

Product description

Branch Basics The Concentrate is a fragrance-free, multi-purpose cleaning concentrate designed to be diluted with water and used throughout the home. The formula relies on plant-based surfactants and mineral ingredients rather than synthetic fragrance or aggressive chemicals. It’s intended for everyday cleaning tasks like counters, sinks, bathrooms, floors, and general surface wipe-downs.

The ingredient list is intentionally short and straightforward, using plant-derived glucosides for cleaning power along with mineral-based builders to support performance. There are no added scents, dyes, or masking agents.

What I like

I like that this concentrate is truly fragrance-free and doesn’t rely on scent to signal “clean.” This makes a big difference for indoor air quality, especially for households with sensitivities, kids, or pets.

I also appreciate that it’s a single concentrate you dilute as needed. That means fewer bottles, fewer formulas to keep track of, and more control over how strong or gentle the cleaner is depending on the task.

From a low-tox perspective, this is the type of product I feel comfortable using regularly because it avoids many of the ingredients I intentionally try to limit in my home.

Things to keep in mind

Because this is a concentrate, dilution matters. Using the correct ratio for the job helps it perform well without wasting product or leaving residue.

This formula is fragrance-free and does not use essential oils. In general, when I do recommend products that contain essential oils, I keep sourcing and testing in mind since essential oils can carry trace contaminants depending on how they’re grown and processed. I prioritize brands that are transparent and mindful about purity.