By now many of us know that regular, commercial cleaners contain toxic ingredients. Most commercial brands contain harmful chemicals and release measurable amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  VOCs are organic chemical compounds that evaporate into the air, increase our body’s toxic burden and are associated with neurological, hormonal and immunological changes. It appears that most mainstream cleaning products have something in them that you don’t want to breath in.  According to the EPA, VOCs are up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. That lemon and pine scent I associated with cleanliness growing up now gives me a headache that triggers an “I smell something toxic” statement very familiar to my husband. Fortunately we may choose to buy green products such as 7^th Generation, ECOS or BioKleen. These companies are trusted and produce nontoxic products while providing socially and environmentally responsible options for consumers.  Non-toxic cleaners are becoming more widely available and affordable. Alternatively, making your own cleaner is easy and recipes are readily available online and in books. Today I mixed a Non-Toxic All Purpose Cleaner at home. It is rather rewarding to make something so easy, cheap and green.

Non-Toxic All Purpose Cleaner

2 cups warm water

¼ Cup Organic Distilled White Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

5 Drops Tea Tree Oil

5 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

Add all ingredients to an empty spray bottle.

Mixing these ingredients is super fast and easy.  White distilled vinegar is both a disinfectant and deodorant and the lemon juice acts as a disinfectant.  The essential oils have antimicrobial properties and leave a pleasing scent. My kitchen is sparkling.