Green Cleaning Basics

What is Green Cleaning?

Green cleaning is a holistic approach to janitorial cleaning services that takes into account: (1) the health, safety, and environmental risks of products and processes associated with cleaning; (2) the mission and use of the facility to be cleaned and the behavior of facility occupants; and (3) the cleaning, maintenance, and sanitation needs of the facility.

In other words, it is an approach to cleaning that involves the use of alternative products, applying those products in different ways, and evaluating and/or changing behaviors associated with how buildings are used to reduce risks while maintaining a satisfactory level of cleanliness and disinfection.

Example 1:

Traditional glass cleaner-made of alcohol and ammonia, which are solvents-is typically applied by using a trigger spray, which creates a fine mist. Vapors created by this product and process have the following effects:

• Vapors can enter the breathing zone of cleaning personnel, causing respiratory irritation and triggering asthmatic attacks and other breathing disorders (especially when used repeatedly and over time).
• Because they can remain in the restroom, vapors can affect building occupants using the restroom.
• Vapors are circulated throughout the building by the ventilation system and can affect building occupants.
• When the vapors are exhausted to the outdoors, they can contribute to atmospheric smog and air pollution.

Alternatives for green cleaning include:

• Replacing the traditional glass cleaner with one that has no solvents-a detergent, or soap-based cleaner that produces fewer vapors.
• Applying the product in a stream rather than a mist to reduce the vapors.
• Applying the spray to a wiping cloth, rather than directly onto the glass, to reduce the vapors.

Example 2:

If occupants eat in their individual offices, they are likely to produce crumbs, which could attract pests. This might require more frequent pesticide or rodenticide applications than if all eating were centralized in a lunchroom or conference room. In addition, if employees clean up coffee or beverage spills at the time of a spill, rather than wait for the cleaning crew to do it (especially when it involves carpets or other fabrics), janitors can use fewer, and less-toxic, cleaning products than if spills dry or seep into carpet. Hence, green cleaning requires some involvement by building occupants.