Green Cleaning Practices for Janitorial Services

Cleaning the workplace/office is essential to protect the health of employees, clients and/or customers. Conventional cleaning products are potentially hazardous. Many trigger asthma, leave burns and/or are dangerous to ingest. They can irritate the eyes and/or throat, and cause headaches and other health problems, including cancer. Some products release dangerous chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Green cleaning involves using products and procedures that are safe for the environment and humans. Green cleaning products are created using safe, non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients. 

What is green cleaning? 

Green cleaning is about the use of eco-friendly products and involves specific cleaning equipment and procedures. High-quality vacuums with HEPA filters are used to purify the air and eliminate dust, dirt, mould spores and unpleasant smells. Steam vapour cleaners are employed on many surfaces as they use only hot water to sanitize. Non-toxic, non-caustic and biodegradable products replace toxic cleaners. Microfiber cloths and mops remove high levels of oil and dirt and are reusable. A commercial cleaning company that does green cleaning will effectively clean your workplace while protecting the health of your employees and the environment. 

What are non-toxic, green cleaning products?

“Non-toxic” and “green” are buzzwords in the cleaning industry. Be careful! Labels like “plant-based,” “green” and ”all-natural” have little meaning. Product labels rarely include the information needed to make informed decisions. To know that a product is non-toxic, you need to have the ingredient list and do your research. Not up to the task? A good commercial cleaning company will know what products are authentically non-toxic and offer you the option to use these at your place of business.

What equipment and procedures are used by commercial cleaners who undertake green cleaning protocols?

• Certified Green Label vacuum cleaners that operate below the 70dBA sound level while capturing 96% of particulates 0.3 microns in size.

• Steam vapour cleaners are employed on many surfaces, using only hot water to sanitize. 

• Automated scrubbing machines equipped with feed pumps and onboard chemical metering to optimize the use of cleaning fluids. They’re used to efficiently and effectively clean floors.

• Equipment with safeguards to reduce damages to building surfaces.

• Battery-powered equipment furnished with environmentally preferable gel batteries.

• Ergonomically designed equipment that minimizes vibration, noise and user fatigue.

• Microfiber cloths, mop heads and dusters offer greater absorbency, reduce re-depositing on surfaces, require fewer chemicals and can be laundered and reused repeatedly.

• A log of equipment documenting the date of purchase, repair and maintenance, and vendor specifications.

What are the benefits of using green cleaning products and procedures?

• Eco-friendly: Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals (nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, sodium lauryl sulphate, phthalates, etc.) that are dangerous. They enter the water supply and affect humans, flora and fauna. The environmental protection agency recommends the use of non-toxic cleaners; those with biodegradable ingredients and low VOCs. 

• Save resources: Many natural cleaning manufacturers produce multi-use cleaners to cut down on unnecessary waste.

• Fewer allergens: Conventional cleaning products often contain allergens or irritants (perfumes, synthetic fragrances, ammonia, caustics, formaldehyde, chlorine, bleach, dyes, sulphates, etc.). Green/non-toxic cleaners will have fewer or none of these ingredients.

• Cruelty-free: Many natural cleaning companies create products without animal testing.

• Gentle on the skin: Skin absorbs the chemicals in cleaners. Harsh cleaners containing chlorine, bleach and other chemicals can cause the skin to dry, itch and/or develop rashes. Non-toxic products are gentler on the skin.

• Avoid eye damage: Abrasive residue from toxic cleaners can be found on surfaces and transferred to your eyes causing irritation and possibly damage. Non-toxic cleaning products reduce and/or alleviate this possibility.

• Evade lung problems: Cleaners marked “use in a well-ventilated area” can irritate your respiratory system and are detrimental to people with asthma and allergies. They can be more damaging to the lungs than the mould, dust and dander they are designed to remove. Non-toxic products are gentler and safer. 

• Less wear and tear: Strong cleaners are aggressive on surfaces (furniture, countertops, desks), fading the colour and marring the finish. Green cleaners are generally less caustic, causing less wear and tear.

• Improve indoor air quality: VOCs are released from conventional cleaning products (when used and stored), causing damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system and contributing to high indoor air pollution. Non-toxic cleaning products are free of VOCs, helping improve indoor air quality.

• Less heavy odours: Chemical cleaners often have a heavy and noticeable smell. Sometimes the manufacturers try to cover this by using additional chemicals. Indoor air quality suffers! All the more reason to switch to non-toxic, green cleaning products which generally leave few or no lingering odours.

• Effective: Eco-friendly, natural products are just as effective at cleaning your office, without the toxins and health risks. 

• Better public image: Green Cleaning initiatives create a favourable public image for your company by showcasing your commitment to the environment and the health of your employees. 

• Good for the community: Many manufacturers of green cleaning products are serious about social responsibility, giving a portion of their profits to organizations that further social, environmental and educational change. Purchasing products from these companies means you are giving back to your community. 

• Increase your awareness of ingredients: Manufacturers of cleaning products aren’t required to divulge ingredients. Many green cleaning manufacturers make it their policy to be fully transparent, listing ingredients on the packaging.

• Become a role model: By utilizing non-toxic cleaning products in your workplace, you act as a role model for other businesses. The more companies that join, the healthier the planet. 

What are the benefits of a commercial cleaning company that offers green cleaning options?

Hire a cleaning company with green cleaning protocols to get an effective, safe cleaning of your workspace. Choose a commercial cleaning company with a “green cleaning” option if you wish to:

• Reduce your environmental impact

• Conserve, reduce and rescue our natural resources

• Increase tenant/employee comfort and health

• Improve the air quality in your workplace

• Reduce illness and absenteeism

• Foster workplace wellness

• Improve employee productivity

Say goodbye to toxic cleaners and chemicals! Switch to more natural, eco-friendly cleaners, disinfectants and other supplies by engaging a commercial cleaning company that offers a “green cleaning” option. This decision will benefit your health, well-being and the environment.

Interested in green cleaning procedures and non-toxic cleaning products for your workplace? Looking for a reputable professional commercial cleaning company that will meet your business’ specific needs? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com. Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom-tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial, office cleaning and post-construction services. Contact us today!