Green Cleaning

With increased cleaning frequency, as in hospitality venues, the quality of the product -- in effectiveness and safety -- is paramount. It's one thing if cleaning is done weekly and the building's air exchange cleans the fumes away. It's another thing when the cleaning is done daily, not giving the air exchange a chance to get rid of the fumes before the next use of cleaning chemicals.

Respiratory diseases, cancer, and eye and throat irritation are attributed to some ingredients used in many cleaning products. Some of the culprit ingredients include chlorine, formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid, butane, and perchloroethylene. Cleaning products include solvents, disinfectants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); all of which are known to be hazardous to humans. You find these chemicals in all-purpose cleaners, special-purpose cleaners (like for glass, tile, toilets, and laundry), scouring powders, and air fresheners.

Not only is the air contaminated with these chemicals, but also the surfaces in a room; surfaces we come in contact with like counters, desks, tables, floors, dishes and utensils, towels and linens -- they have a residue that can impact us. When the product label says "Danger", "Poison" or "Warning", heed should be paid and the product should be avoided. Those cautions are there to protect people; not using dangerous products is smart.

Those commercial institutions that have adopted "green cleaning" practices by using non-toxic chemicals have found the products to be at least as effective as the toxic chemicals used previously. Custodians and housekeepers also like not having to work with toxic chemicals and they like the simplicity of reducing the number of products they use during the day.

And remember asbestos: it was commonly used, but when it was found to cause mesothelioma (a virulent lung cancer), the companies that made and used it were sued, many into bankruptcy. Don't risk lawsuits down the road from your employees by making them use dangerous chemical on the job!

Cost-wise, green cleaning is not necessarily more expensive. In some cases it was found that too many different products were used, raising the cost of cleaning. By selecting one or two effective green cleaners, money is saved.

How do you find non-toxic chemicals to clean your property? The EPA-funded approved list of environmental cleaners is one place to start. Links to other products that come recommended by institutions using them include:
* Earth & Sun
* Earth Friendly
* Ecover
* Deirdre Imus
* Seventh Generation

Using simple food ingredients to make your own cleaning products; vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are the basics. Use vinegar and/or baking soda in the washing machine for an extra cleaning boost, static control and fabric softening. Lemon juice brightens and deodorizes. The ingredients are cheap, bountiful, and effective.

Your guests are dying to use your services and experience your hospitality. Don't make that a literal reality though. Change your housekeeping approach by using environmentally friendly cleaning products and be good to your employees, guests, and to yourself. It's on ECOnomically Sound decision.

For more information on green cleaning in hospitality venues, see my articles Going Green In the Housekeeping Department and Going Green In the Laundry Room on TheBandBLady.com.