Green Cleaning Guide

Everyone wants a clean and safe home. But many cleaning products actually contain chemicals that are harmful to you and your family's health. The Oregon Environmental Council (one of my new favorite resources) has put out a cleaning guide with recipes for household cleaners that are non-toxic, inexpensive, and biodegradable. Below is the recipe for their all-purpose cleaner. If you're interested in other cleaning recipes, go to the green cleaning guide on the Oregon Environmental Council site where you can download various cleaning recipes or request a hard copy to have on hand.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tsp. borax
3 1/2 cups hot water
20 drops of antibacterial essential oil (such as lemon or lavender essential oil)
1/4 cup liquid dish soap

Mix ingredients in a 32-oz. spray bottle. Add dish soap last, and wash surfaces. The smell of vinegar will dissipate.