Guide to Green Cleaning

Green cleaning is a phrase that is becoming more and more popular in all types of facilitities, including offices, schools, retail areas and warehouses, as building owners and facility managers are realising the benefits of using environmentally preferable cleaning products and techniques that have the added benefit of protecting the health of the facility and those who frequent it.

When you consider implementing a green cleaning program, first identify your goals and level of commitment. Are you looking to create a cleaner facility-wide environment that uses biodegradable and recyclable cleaning supplies and sustainable methods of cleaning? Are you hoping to eliminate as many contaminants as possible, including mould, mildew, VOCs, carcinogens? Are you looking to reduce waste?

Once your goals are clear, you can develop a green cleaning program that focuses on the cleaning process as much as the cleaning products. This article will identify some initial steps to consider as you begin green cleaning your facility.

• Reduce how much dirt and debris enters your facility
  The less dirt there is to clean, the fewer chemicals that must be used, the fewer contaminants that enter the air, and the healthier the building and those who frequent it. Use outdoor entrance mats to catch dirt, sand, mud and other outdoor debris, and use indoor walk-off mats to catch water and smaller pieces of debris.
  
  
• Use micro-fiber cleaning cloths
  Micro-fiber cleaning cloths have a dramatic impact on green cleaning as they eliminate the need for chemical spray cleaners. Micro-fiber cloths capture dust, debris and even water.
  
  
• Invest in a good vacuum
  Vacuuming removes up to 80 percent of the dirt on your carpeted surfaces. Invest in a vacuum that not only removes the dirt from the carpet but also has an air filtration system to prevent that dirt from being kicked back out into the air.
  
  
• Use less chemical and water
  Facility maintenance managers today are finding that using less soap and water is not only good for the environment, but it also improves overall cleanliness. Use automated scrubbing products and carpet care technologies that use less water so as to limit the amount of waste-water that leaves your facility. Tennant's latest innovation, ec-H2O™ uses no detergents and up to 70% less water.

While green cleaning is good for the environment and good for the health of your facility and those who frequent it, it’s also good for your bottom line. In fact, green cleaning can result in improved faculty productivity; improved cleaning staff productivity; reduced liability, insurance and legal costs; reduced regulatory and inspection loads; reduced sick leave; and improved quality of life that leads to greater employee retention.