Being a green cleaner—or running a fully Green Cleaning Certified company—creates a level of pride and purpose that traditional hazardous-chemical cleaning simply cannot match. When you choose natural cleaning methods, you know you’re doing the best for your clients, their families, their pets, and your own health. There is a special joy in walking into a home and knowing that the air will remain fresh, safe, and free of toxic fumes long after you’re gone. Instead of contributing to indoor air pollution, asthma triggers, and chemical residue, green cleaning helps create healthier spaces that support a child’s development, protect elderly clients, and allow everyone in the home to breathe freely.

Green cleaning also reduces reliance on large companies producing harsh and unnecessary petrochemical-based cleaners. Learning how to clean effectively with simple, biodegradable ingredients—like vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, essential oils, and steam—not only cuts through grime but also makes cleaning itself more enjoyable. The science behind natural cleaning becomes empowering: instead of falling for marketing tricks or “miracle toxic sprays,” you understand how each ingredient works, why it’s safer, and what it can replace. For many green cleaners, using fewer, multi-purpose products is not only easier but also more efficient, making each job smoother and faster.

Choosing green cleaning helps protect the planet in ways that go far beyond a single home. When you use fewer plastic bottles, safer ingredients, and reusable tools like microfiber (used responsibly), you help reduce waste headed for landfills—and keep plastic out of our oceans. Every decision you make prevents more toxins from entering waterways, affecting marine life, and accumulating through the food chain. Green cleaning companies truly contribute to a healthier ecosystem, proving that small daily decisions can have a powerful collective impact.

There are also major long-term health benefits. Many traditional cleaning chemicals are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and chronic skin irritation. Green cleaners dramatically lower those risks. Children grow up in healthier homes, adults maintain better indoor air quality, and cleaners protect their lungs, skin, and nervous system from years of exposure. Even your clients notice the difference—homes that have been cleaned naturally for years become far easier to maintain because they don’t have layers of chemical buildup on showers, tubs, counters, and floors. Tools like steam cleaners make deep cleaning easier and more effective than scrubbing with harsh products ever could.

Ultimately, being a Green Cleaning Certified company means being part of something bigger—an international community committed to safer practices, environmental responsibility, and better outcomes for everyone involved. Through the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory (https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services), customers can find cleaners who care about sustainability, health, and high-quality results. By choosing natural ingredients, reducing waste, and educating clients on green home habits, green cleaners not only do their job—they help build a safer, cleaner, more joyful world for every living creature on Earth.

Green cleaning isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s a responsibility we all share, because the products we use inside our homes eventually impact the world outside them. Traditional cleaners contain toxic chemicals, VOCs, and petroleum-based ingredients that pollute our indoor air, increase asthma symptoms, and put young children and pets, who are far more sensitive, at risk. Choosing eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaners protects the health of every person who lives or works in the space, helping reduce respiratory issues, skin irritation, and the long-term chemical exposure that many scientists believe contributes to chronic illness. Green cleaning reminds us that our homes should feel like sanctuaries, not chemical storage units.

Every bottle we use and toss out contributes to the growing crisis of environmental pollution. The world is already facing massive ecological damage, including the Great Pacific Landfill, where plastic waste harms sea turtles, birds, and countless marine animals. These creatures often ingest microplastics, which then enter the food chain and ultimately circle back to us. Harsh chemicals also end up in waterways, damaging ecosystems and poisoning wildlife. By switching to natural, plant-based products, reusable containers, and steam cleaning, we reduce our plastic footprint, limit hazardous chemical runoff, and take real action to protect the biodiversity that keeps the planet in balance.

Green cleaning is one of the simplest ways for ordinary people to participate in global healing. Every time we replace bleach, ammonia, or synthetic fragrances with safer alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, steam, or hydrogen peroxide, we help reduce indoor air pollution, prevent accidental poisoning, and support a healthier planet for future generations. When illness spreads through homes or offices, green disinfecting solutions, used correctly and safely, help stop chains of infection without exposing people to harmful toxins. For those seeking professionals who share these values, organizations like the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory offer certified, environmentally conscious cleaning providers committed to healthier homes, workplaces, and ecosystems. Find a green cleaner near you at: https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services.

Great customer service in the cleaning and janitorial world starts with listening. IJCSA Members are trained to begin every relationship by hearing clients out—asking about your priorities, your expectations, your schedule, your budget, and even your sensitivities like fragrances, pets, or green cleaning needs. Rather than a one-size-fits-all checklist, we focus on what you actually care about: that one bathroom that always bugs you, the fingerprints on the stainless steel, the high-traffic hallway, or the kid's room that needs extra care. Many IJCSA Members offer consultations or walkthroughs so you can get to know your cleaner or janitorial team before committing. That's not just cleaning—that's partnership.

Great service also means making things easy and secure. IJCSA companies know that today's consumers expect seamless online booking, clear communication, and safe ways to pay. Our members focus on professional systems- confirmations, reminders, flexible scheduling, and straightforward policies-so you always know who's coming, when, and what's included. Behind the scenes, IJCSA Members invest in ongoing training, certifications, and updated techniques so they stay current with the latest in safety standards, green cleaning best practices, and industry developments. That adds up to better results for you, fewer worries, and a service that genuinely gets better over time instead of just going through the same old motions.

If you are seeking a cleaning or janitorial company that takes customer service as seriously as clean floors and sparkling bathrooms, start with an IJCSA Member. You can find a trusted professional serving your area through the IJCSA Business Directory here: https://www.ijcsa.org/Find-A-Cleaning-Service-Janitorial-Service

At Brie's Breezy Clean, being IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified isn't just a label on our website – it's how we actually clean every single day. I, Brie, am the only cleaner in the company and have been caring for homes for over 30 years. That experience, combined with formal green cleaning training, underpins everything I do in your home. I want your space to feel not just tidy but like a safe, healthy sanctuary for you, your kids, your pets, and anyone with allergies or asthma. That means thinking carefully about what I use, how I use it, and why the dirt is there in the first place.

Our green cleaning program starts with full transparency: we disclose on our website all the cleaning products and their ingredients that we use; many of which we hand-make in our home garage using natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, simple soaps, and other low-tox, eco-conscious options. My approach is always to start with the least intense, least toxic solution and go up from there only if necessary. Bleach and harsh chemicals are used as a last resort, reserved for serious mold issues and not for everyday cleaning. Most of the time, the right mix of natural products, good technique, and elbow grease is more than sufficient.

For me, green cleaning is also about understanding the dirt, not just spraying everything with one “miracle” chemical. The dust in the bedroom is different from the dust in the kitchen – kitchen dust often carries a fine film of grease, while bedroom dust has more fibers and dead skin. The soap scum in a shower is not the same as mineral deposits on a faucet. Since I pay attention to where the grime comes from, I can choose the right gentle method for each situation instead of blasting everything with harsh all-purpose cleaners. That's also why there's no "deep clean upgrade" option at Brie's Breezy Clean - every clean we do is a deep clean. If you have more rooms that need this level of detail, we simply book more hours, because it genuinely bothers me to leave a room half-done. Implementing a green cleaning program daily also means protecting my own health and the health of my clients over the long term. Utilizing lower-tox, non-petroleum-based products, avoiding heavy synthetic fragrances, and minimizing harsh fumes equate to my being able to continue to do this work I love without breathing in a chemical cloud every day - and you don't come home to one, either. As an IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified provider, I stay educated on safer ingredients, proper product use, and environmental impact, and I bring that knowledge into every Minneapolis home I clean. When you hire Brie's Breezy Clean, you're not just getting a clean house; you're getting a thoughtful, science-aware, and heart-led approach to keeping your home clean, green, and genuinely healthy.

Being Green Cleaning Certified through IJCSA is more than a badge for Brie's Breezy Clean – it’s a promise I’m making to my clients, my family, and myself. I fly to Ireland to help my daughter, who has asthma, and I’ve seen firsthand how harsh chemical smells can tighten her chest or linger in the air around my grandchildren. Green cleaning training helps me choose low-VOC, non-toxic, environmentally friendly products that won’t inflame her asthma or leave harsh residues behind. The more I learn about natural cleaning products like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and microfiber – and how to use them properly – the more confident I feel that I’m protecting the people I love while still delivering a truly deep clean.

As a cleaner working almost daily in the Minneapolis, MN area, my own health matters too. Breathing in strong solvents, bleach, and synthetic fragrances day after day is not just unpleasant – it can be harmful over time. Being Green Cleaning Certified means I’m trained to avoid the worst offenders and reduce exposure to toxic ingredients, VOCs, and harsh petrochemicals. That protects my lungs, my skin, and my long-term energy. I’ve cleaned so many homes now that I can tell, the moment I walk in, if it’s been disinfected with “crazy” harsh products – the smell hits me and it feels like it drains my energy right away. Switching to safer, greener methods lets me work in spaces that feel lighter and healthier, not just “chemically clean.”

There’s also a deep emotional and cultural layer for me. I grew up watching my mom clean in the Dominican Republic, and she didn’t rely on harsh chemical cocktails – she used simple, home-based ingredients and a lot of care. Green cleaning brings me back to that: using products that make sense, that respect the home and the people in it. I want my clients to feel that their house isn’t just “wiped down,” but is a safe sanctuary – a place where kids can play on the floor, pets can curl up on the couch, and everyone can breathe easily without worrying what’s in the spray bottle. A truly clean home should feel calm, joyful, and supportive, not like a place that smells like a chemical factory.

Being Green Cleaning Certified also helps Brie's Breezy Clean stand out in a meaningful way. Clients are increasingly aware of eco-friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic options and many are searching specifically for green cleaning services. Certification shows that I’ve taken the time to study, understand ingredients, and commit to safer practices, not just slap “eco” on my marketing. And thanks to the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory, people who care about their health and the environment can actually find certified green cleaners they can trust. If someone is looking for a service that protects their family, their pets, and the planet, they can visit
https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services
and know they’re choosing from professionals who share those values. For me, that combination – protecting my family, protecting my clients, protecting my own body, and doing my small part for the planet – is exactly why being Green Cleaning Certified matters.

For Brie's Breezy Clean, keeping homes in Minneapolis sparkling isn't just about dust and grime — it's also about protecting our cleaners and our clients from invisible risks like bloodborne pathogens. It’s easy to assume “that only happens in hospitals,” but the reality is we can encounter potentially infectious materials when taking out trash that may hide used sharp objects, cleaning bathrooms, changing bedding after someone has been sick, or wiping up blood from a cut in the kitchen. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, sets the safety standards we follow, and we’ve been learning from their Bloodborne Pathogen course. This training exists because viruses like Hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV can be present in blood and certain body fluids and can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening disease. When our staff understand what bloodborne pathogens are and how they’re transmitted, they’re empowered to protect themselves and every family we serve.

Even as a residential-focused company, we at Brie's Breezy Clean use universal precautions. This means we assume that all blood and most body fluids could be infectious, and we respond accordingly every single time—no guessing based on how “safe” a home looks or how well we know the client. In practice, this means we always wear the right personal protective equipment, such as gloves, and when there is a risk of splashing, we also wear masks or eye protection. We never manually compress trash bags, we avoid splashing when cleaning up, and we use tools like tongs, spatulas, and disposable towels for cleanup whenever needed. Any affected area is cleaned and properly disinfected, and potentially contaminated laundry is handled with extra care.

We also make training a core part of our safety culture (even if, right now, that “staff” is just me!). It’s not enough to know there is a risk — we focus on exactly what to do in the moment. That includes recognizing situations where bloodborne pathogens may be present, following a clear step-by-step cleanup procedure, and knowing what to do if exposure occurs: immediately stop working, wash the affected area, report it to a supervisor, and seek medical guidance. We also recognize the importance of vaccines, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, and follow OSHA’s rules so vaccination can be used as an important protective tool.

I hope this gives you a sense of the level of care we give to both our team’s health and your own. We work hard to ensure cleaners feel protected and informed so they can confidently and consistently do their jobs, helping families maintain clean, sparkling, joyful homes. In a city like Minneapolis, where we all share spaces and communities, it’s more important than ever to combine good cleaning practices with infection control. That commitment to both safety and cleanliness is what makes our service genuinely professional.

 Green cleaning is vital to everyone as it gives you a sustainable life free of harmful chemicals. Green cleaning protects your health, the environment, and the future stability of our ecosystems. Eco-friendly products break down more safely, protecting animals and the ecosystems they rely on. Cleaner ingredients make a cleaner planet that will help prevent air pollution. Green cleaning helps keep our water safe, as most conventional cleaners contain chemicals that can contaminate our water.

Indoor spaces often trap harmful chemical fumes. Green cleaning helps reduce this by making homes, businesses workplaces much safer and improving air quality. Every choice we make, including purchasing cleaning supplies, affects plant growth and soil health. Therefore, green cleaning supports life at every level by supporting a healthier ecosystem. Green cleaning encourages sustainable living, which may seem small, but it has a huge effect globally.

When we make the right environmental choices now, it protects longevity lives. It protects the future of our children by ensuring they have clean water, organic foods to eat, and cleaner air. Green cleaning is important because everything is connected. What we spray in our homes, flush down drains, and release into the air eventually reaches the bodies, habitats, and lives of humans, animals, and the environment. Choosing green cleaning is choosing to protect every living creature on Earth, including ourselves.

https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

In the cleaning industry, exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of a successful business. For members of the International Janitorial & Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA), going above and beyond isn’t just a slogan, it’s a commitment. Great customer service begins with understanding each client’s unique needs, whether it’s a bustling office building, a luxury apartment, or a high-turnover Airbnb property. IJCSA members pride themselves on tailoring their services to fit every schedule, budget, and cleaning requirement, ensuring every space is not only spotless but also welcoming and safe. Prompt communication, meticulous attention to detail, and a genuine desire to exceed expectations set these cleaning professionals apart, building lasting relationships that clients can trust.

Beyond the physical act of cleaning, great customer service in this industry means anticipating client needs before they are voiced. IJCSA members understand the importance of reliability, professionalism, and transparency qualities that instill confidence and peace of mind. From providing thorough move-in/move-out services to specialized commercial janitorial projects, these experts maintain consistent quality while adapting to evolving demands. Choosing an IJCSA member means choosing a team that values your time, respects your property, and delivers more than clean spaces. They deliver a superior customer experience. When cleanliness meets care, every client interaction becomes an opportunity to shine, and every space transformed reflects the excellence that IJCSA stands for.

Becoming Green Cleaning Certified will significantly strengthen my company’s ability to provide safer and healthier services for all clients. This certification confirms that I understand how to properly use non-toxic, eco-friendly products and sustainable cleaning techniques that reduce chemical exposure and improve indoor air quality. In a world where customers are increasingly concerned about their health and the environment, this certification adds tremendous value.

For Sterling Pro Clean, this certification demonstrates our commitment to protecting families, pets, employees, and the community from harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional cleaning products. By using biodegradable, low-VOC, and plant-based solutions, we actively support a cleaner, healthier environment. This aligns perfectly with the values of today’s eco-conscious customers.

This certification also benefits me as an individual, giving me advanced knowledge and credibility in the cleaning industry. It ensures that I stay updated on best practices, safer procedures, and environmental responsibility. With this knowledge, I can train my staff more effectively and maintain consistent, high-quality results across all client properties.

Finally, being Green Cleaning Certified allows our company to be listed in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory, increasing our visibility to clients seeking safe and sustainable cleaning services. This professional recognition sets us apart from competitors and reinforces our mission to deliver top-quality cleaning while prioritizing health and environmental protection.

At Sterling Pro Clean, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions for every family and business we serve. Our green cleaning services use non-toxic, biodegradable products that protect your health, improve indoor air quality, and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. We believe that a clean space should never come at the expense of your well-being or the environment.

Our team is trained in industry-standard green cleaning procedures that deliver exceptional results while supporting a healthier lifestyle. Whether you need residential, commercial, or specialized cleaning, we use sustainable methods that are gentle on surfaces, safe for children and pets, and environmentally responsible. Customers searching for reliable green cleaning companies can also find us through the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory, which connects the public with certified eco-friendly professionals.