The Federal Government defines Green Cleaning as “environmentally preferable” products and services that “have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.” In layman’s terms , you can get the same quality of cleaning while reducing your impact on the environment and creating a safer workplace . Green cleaning is comprised of facility cleaning products and methods developed to improve occupant health and performance while minimizing the impact on the environment . Some products claim to be green but only those certified as green really qualify for the title Green.
Why use a Green Cleaning service?
Green cleaning improves the quality of the workplace and increases productivity. Green cleaning improves indoor air quality. Many traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When cleaning , these VOC’s are released into the air through evaporation and polute the indoor air quality. When using green products and procedures you can see a reduction of skin, eye , and respiratory irritations . A reduction in headaches and nausea has also been widely reported . This not only affects staff but also those visiting your facility. Healthier employees are happier employees and overall morale and absenteeism can improve.
Increasing environmental awareness and recent trends have made the environment a very important subject across the country. By putting into action a green cleaning program you can do your part in reducing your impact on the planet and the amount of your pollution which makes the world a cleaner place.
How Do You Clean Green?
The initial and most recognized part of a green cleaning service is the use of proper cleaning chemicals. All cleaning products used have to be certified green to qualify. This means that the products have undergone stringent tests and passed all the requirements necessary for certification . Some of these standards include: no carcinogens, no aquatic or human toxins, no reproductive toxins, non-corrosive to skin and eyes , non flammable, effective for intended use, and packaged and formulated for reduced environmental impact. These products help reduce health risks as well as lessen your environmental impact.
Workplace air quality is an issue everyone can relate to, especially for individuals with respiratory problems. A true Green cleaning service program includes the use of HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters in all of their vacuums. Traditional vacuums use filters that release waste particles back into the room. HEPA filters remove 99.9% of particulates .3 micrometers in size which are widely accepted to be the most penetrating particle size. This is beneficial for asthma and allergy sufferers, because the HEPA filter traps the fine particles (such as pollen and dust mite feces ) which trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
Another integral part of a quality green cleaning program involves the use of microfiber products. Microfiber is made up of of very fine threads of polyester and nylon that come together to form a single thread. Microfiber cleans without smearing, streaking , scratching or leaving lint and is safe to use on delicate surfaces. It will clean without scratching or harming the surface in any way. This unique cleaning tool is more effective at removing dirt, dust , germs, grease and lime safely. Microfiber cloths also last much longer than traditional mops/towels and therefore have less of an impact on the environment .
Proper cleaning procedures are an integral and often overlooked aspect of a green cleaning service .
The Bottom Line on Green Cleaning
By using a Green Cleaning Service, you could begin working against costly health-related absenteeism amongst your employees, as well as reducing your environmental impact . Green services have become more cost effective than ever before, and are now reasonable and attainable for all businesses and professional offices . Furthermore, businesses and employers may choose to advertise their use of a green cleaning service in customer areas and employee brake rooms , creating a positive impact on those individual’s opinion of the business. The benefits of using a green cleaning service go far beyond just helping the environment.

