5 Sustainable Cleaning Practices Every Business Should Adopt

1. Transition to Certified Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

A foundational step in sustainable cleaning is the transition away from harsh, conventional chemicals to certified eco-friendly cleaning agents. Traditional cleaners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to indoor air pollution and cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and other health issues for building occupants.

Key Actions:

• Product Selection: Prioritize cleaning products that are certified by reputable third-party organizations like Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, or the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice program. These certifications ensure that products meet stringent standards for performance, health, and environmental safety.
• Concentrated Solutions: Opt for concentrated cleaning solutions that are diluted on-site. This practice significantly reduces packaging waste, lowers shipping costs and associated carbon emissions, and minimizes storage space requirements.
• Targeted Use: Implement a system where cleaning staff are trained to use the appropriate product for each specific task. This prevents the overuse of chemicals and ensures maximum efficiency.

Benefits for Your Facility:
Adopting certified green cleaning products directly improves the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of your facility. This contributes to a healthier environment for employees and visitors, which can lead to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. Furthermore, many modern eco-friendly products offer performance equal to or greater than their traditional counterparts without the associated health risks.

2. Implement Comprehensive Waste Reduction Strategies

An effective sustainable cleaning program extends beyond the products used; it encompasses a holistic approach to waste management. Commercial facilities generate substantial amounts of waste, and a significant portion can be diverted from landfills through structured recycling and waste reduction programs.

Key Actions:

• Recycling Program Enhancement: Establish clearly labeled, accessible recycling bins for paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals throughout your facility. A successful program requires consistent training and communication to ensure high participation rates among staff and building occupants.
• Source Reduction: Focus on reducing waste at its source. This includes switching from disposable paper towels in restrooms to high-efficiency hand dryers, which can reduce waste and lower operational costs.
• Composting Initiatives: For facilities with cafeterias or significant food service operations, implementing a composting program for organic waste can divert a large volume of material from landfills.

Benefits for Your Facility:
A robust waste reduction strategy can lead to direct cost savings through lower disposal fees. It also enhances your company's public image and helps meet corporate sustainability goals. For facility managers, this translates to improved compliance with local and state recycling mandates and a more streamlined, cost-effective waste management operation.

3. Adopt Water-Conserving Cleaning Methods

Water is a finite resource, and its conservation is a key pillar of sustainability. Traditional cleaning methods often consume large quantities of water. Modern technologies and revised protocols can drastically reduce water usage without compromising on cleanliness or hygiene.

Key Actions:

• Use of Microfiber Technology: Switch from traditional cotton cloths and string mops to microfiber alternatives. Microfiber cloths and flat mops use significantly less water and cleaning solution, as their unique structure is more effective at trapping dirt and bacteria.
• Implement Low-Moisture Equipment: For carpet cleaning, utilize low-moisture or encapsulation cleaning systems instead of traditional hot water extraction methods. These systems use a fraction of the water, leading to faster drying times and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
• Automated Dilution Control Systems: Install automated systems for diluting concentrated cleaning chemicals. These systems ensure precise measurements, preventing the waste of both water and product that often occurs with manual mixing.

Benefits for Your Facility:
Reducing water consumption directly lowers utility bills, offering a clear and measurable return on investment. Faster drying times for floors and carpets mean less disruption to facility operations and a reduced risk of slip-and-fall incidents, improving overall safety.

4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Cleaning Equipment

The equipment used in daily cleaning operations can be a significant source of energy consumption. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient machinery is a smart investment that aligns with sustainability objectives and provides long-term operational benefits.

Key Actions:

• High-Efficiency Vacuums: Replace older vacuums with models that feature high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These vacuums not only consume less energy but also improve indoor air quality by capturing microscopic particles and allergens.
• Battery-Powered Equipment: Transition from corded electric machines to battery-powered alternatives, such as floor scrubbers, burnishers, and vacuums. Modern lithium-ion battery technology offers extended run times and faster charging, increasing cleaning efficiency and eliminating the trip hazards associated with cords.
• Robotic Process Automation: Consider investing in automated cleaning equipment, such as robotic floor scrubbers. These machines can operate during off-hours with minimal supervision, ensuring consistent cleaning results while freeing up your janitorial staff to focus on more detailed, high-value tasks.

Benefits for Your Facility:
Energy-efficient equipment reduces electricity consumption, leading to lower utility costs. The improved performance and reliability of new machinery also decrease maintenance and repair expenses. For your team, modern ergonomic designs reduce physical strain, and automation can boost overall productivity and operational control.

5. Focus on Proactive Maintenance and Green Training

A sustainable cleaning program is only as effective as the people who implement it. A commitment to sustainability must include comprehensive training for janitorial staff and a proactive approach to maintaining a clean and healthy facility.

Key Actions:

• Specialized Training: Provide your cleaning team with ongoing training on green cleaning principles, including proper product dilution, waste sorting procedures, and the efficient operation of new equipment. This ensures that your sustainability goals are executed correctly and consistently.
• Preventative Cleaning: Develop a cleaning schedule that focuses on prevention. This includes using high-quality entryway matting to capture dirt and moisture at the door, which reduces the amount of cleaning required inside the building.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Adopt an IPM approach that prioritizes non-chemical methods for pest control, such as sealing entry points and eliminating food and water sources. This minimizes the need for toxic pesticides.

Benefits for Your Facility:
A well-trained team operates with greater efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that your investment in sustainable products and equipment delivers maximum value. Proactive and preventative measures reduce the overall cleaning workload, leading to labor cost savings and extending the life of your facility’s assets, such as flooring and carpets.

Partner with an Expert in Sustainable Cleaning

Implementing a comprehensive sustainable cleaning program requires expertise, consistency, and a commitment to quality. By partnering with a professional janitorial services provider, you can ensure your facility benefits from the latest in green cleaning technology and best practices without diverting your internal resources.

With decades of experience in commercial cleaning, our company is dedicated to providing reliable and environmentally responsible solutions. We customize our services to meet the specific needs of your facility, using modern cleaning technology and certified green products to deliver superior results. By entrusting us with your janitorial needs, you can be confident that your facility will be maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and sustainability, allowing you to focus on your core operations.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for your business.