Cleanliness is close to godliness —but what if the products we’re using to scrub, and shine are actually polluting the air we breathe?
Most people don’t realize that indoor air can contain 2 to 5 times more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than the air outside. And here’s the kicker: a major source of those VOCs is household cleaning products.
So in a way, when we’re wiping down our counters or spritzing our windows, we may be cleaning the surface—but we’re also dirtying our air. Your pets are especially vulnerable. They walk on cleaned surfaces, then lick their paws and their smaller size means these toxins pose an even greater risk. Cats are particularly sensitive to certain chemicals because of their limited liver enzymes for detoxification.
Some of the worst VOC offenders might be hiding in plain sight:
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Dryer sheets: These emit a cocktail of VOCs that linger on clothes and in the air.
Better option? Switch to our wool dryer balls (or make your own!)—they reduce static, shorten drying time, and are reusable for years. -
Bleach-based cleaners: Despite their reputation, they’re rarely necessary for everyday cleaning and come with serious health risks.
Long-term exposure to bleach fumes has been linked to increased cancer risk and adult-onset asthma. Professional cleaners—who are around these chemicals daily—have double the rate of lung cancer compared to the general population. - "Natural" brands that aren't so natural: I was shocked to learn that Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Countertop Spray—something I once considered safe—has a “D” rating from the Environmental Working Group, flagged for high concern.
The EWG website can be searched for thousands of commonly used products. Their rating system makes it easy to find ones that are truly clean.
A Cleaner Way to Clean: DIY Citrus Vinegar Spray
This is the only spray cleaner that we use in the home on the farm. It works! See the side-by-side test we did to prove it. On the left, is a commercial cleaner. On the right, is our citrus vinegar spray and the center stripe is what the whole wall looked like before cleaning. As you can see the commercially available (Trader Joes- rated highly on EWG site) leaves soapy residue- our spray makes the wall so shiny clean it was hard to get a pic without too much refelction!
You’ll need:
- Tangerine (or other citrus) peels
- White vinegar
- Water
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or tea tree)
Instructions:
- Collect citrus peels in a jar and store them in the fridge.
- Once full, cover the peels with white vinegar and let it infuse for 3–4 weeks.
- Strain and mix the infused vinegar with equal parts water in a spray bottle. We like aluminum spray bottles. They are light weight, durable, and fully recyclable.
- Add a few drops of essential oil, if you like.
This spray works beautifully on counters, sinks, and most surfaces (just skip natural stone like granite or marble).
A Note on Essential Oils (and Fragrance Oils)
- Essential oils (EOs) are powerful, plant-based extracts. We’ve even made our own Grand Fir essential oil here on the farm, and I can tell you—it really is the essence of the tree. (It took a whole truckload of fir branches to make just one quart!)
- Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic and often contain phthalates—chemicals that mess with hormones and are linked to all kinds of health issues. Worst of all? Manufacturers aren’t required to list them on the label.
Even essential oils aren’t perfect. They do contain VOCs, and on high-ozone days (which are reported in local weather reports), they can react with the air to form other harmful compounds. So if you’re looking to clean ultra-safely, consider skipping the oils on days with poor air quality.
Homemade cleaning products are more than just a fun DIY—they’re a genuinely safer, healthier choice. They reduce chemical exposure, cut down on plastic waste, and help you take real control over what’s in your home.
I’ll be sharing more of our favorite DIY cleaning recipes and tips soon. In the meantime, toss those dryer sheets, rethink the bleach, and give your air (and your family) a break.