Using green cleaning products also has potential health benefits to cleaning staff or janitors, who are exposed to chemicals over a long period, and helps to protects children, who are much more sensitive to harsh chemicals. Using environmental cleaning products also helps to improve the image of your company.
Key things to avoid in industrial cleaning products include petroleum-based surfactants and solvents, as well as products that contain phosphates and chlorine (the use of bleach should be kept to a minimum where the risks of bacteria are more significant).
You can find ways to avoid the need to disinfect and clean in other ways, for example by using new or sterilised cleaning utensils, wipe mats that prevent dust or soil from being carried into your work or home environment, and energy-efficient vacuum cleaners.
Standard product packaging has an environmental impact through landfill so use concentrated industrial cleaning products that produce less waste. Recycled and chlorine-free paper products are a further way to minimise environmental damage by your company or home.
Environmentally friendly industrial cleaning products will generally avoid the use of enzymes (such as biological washing agents) and are pH balanced. For more intensive cleaning, you should avoid caustic soda or other corrosive ingredients, phosphates (which can create algae blooms in rivers and lakes, which kill plant and animal life). Citrus derivatives can remove even heavy fats and oils and will be suitable for the most demanding cleaning jobs on boats, engines and kitchens.
For lime scale removal and toiler cleaning, environmentally friendly options will rely on citric acids and sulphamic acids (less corrosive than liquid mineral acids) to dissolve lime scale and organic compounds. Window cleaner should be free from ammonia and abrasive substances.
Biodegradable soaps, which are free from solvent, dye and enzymes, can be used in soap dispensers or showers. They offer the immediate benefits of being gentler on the skin, by complementing its natural pH and condition, as well as obvious benefits to aquatic life and plant life on disposal.
Plant derivatives provide a safe and effective alternative to many household products. Citrus oils offer excellent cleaning properties and pleasant aroma. Lavender also has excellent antiseptic properties, and is already used as an aromatherapy oil. Many products that are allegedly 'antibacterial' are ineffective in sterilising everyday germs but allegedly contribute to the development of new 'superbugs'.
Bulk buying removes some of the costs associated with environmental alternatives. At an average of 12.50 GBP for 10 litres of general purpose cleaning solution (although you may need to cover delivery), it doesn't cost the earth. Micro-fibre cloths and mops mean you will use less water, and so less cleaning products, than traditional materials.
Finally, a well-functioning vacuum cleaner will save you a lot of energy, and is better for the environment too: if you're in charge of these decisions, you could always get rid of the carpets, and avoid the energy costs associated with cleaning them all together.
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