I have found bleach and or vinegar in a pinch are good ways to kill the bacteria and mold. Both work well to kill the fungus but vinegar works stronger to kill mold at its roots. Also as a remediation step used dry-lok on wood, concrete, bricks to help seal up walls and prevent mold or leaks from returning. 

Green cleaning is the process of choosing cleaning products that are better for both people and the planet.

Switching to green cleaning for 2020 is good for the health and well being of your people, and it also prevents unnecessary chemicals from being released into the environment.

In an ideal world, we would easily be able to tell which products are toxic and which ones are better for people and the environment. In the real world, though, assessing cleaning products so that you can make good decisions is not always easy unless you had learned.

IJCSA is a great resource to learn about green cleaning and to help others to make the difference

Traditional cleaning chemicals can have a harmful effect on people and on the environment. Everyday cleaners contain toxic ingredients such as chlorine bleach, napthas, phthalates, and methylene chloride. Many cleaners also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Regular exposure to these chemicals can have adverse effects on the health of the workers who handle them and on the people exposed to places where they have been used. 

Green cleaning products are a great alternative to traditional chemicals. They have less of an impact on human health and the environment. They contain things like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and cornstarch. They are generally biodegradable and can be mixed at home, which reduces plastic packaging waste. 

These green and eco-friendly products are also superior cleaning products. For example, a vinegar and olive oil mixture makes an excellent furniture polish which compares favorably to any other polish on the market and can be made by individuals very inexpensively. 

Using green products in place of traditional cleaning chemicals can also be advantageous from a business standpoint. More and more customers are demanding the use of products which are safer to use around their families or employees. It is in the best interests of cleaning businesses and individuals to become Green Clean Certified to meet these market demands. 

Customers can find a provider of green cleaning services through IJCSA's Provider Directory. Businesses or individuals who are Green Clean Certified can also be verified through IJCSA's Directory. 

So you found mold growth in your home or business? What do you need to do next?

Its important to select a certified professional to properly perform your mold remediation so the job is done right. Check the Flood directory for a list of professionals in your area --> https://www.ijcsa.org/Flood-Damage-Restoration-Services

Now that I am IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified I have just made myself a lot more marketable.  This certification brings with it a certain sense of validation.  I will be more prepared for my upcoming interview for the custodial service position in my county.

I will be implementing my green cleaning training in my personal life also.  I am in the process of removing all harmful chemical cleaners from my home and will be replacing them with the green alternatives.

For some reason I feel a certain sense of accomplishment.  I believe it's because it has been a long time since I learned something new.  Now that I am armed with this new information, I plan to share it with everyone I know and care about.  And just in case they don't think I know what I'm talking about, I'll be sure to flash my Green Clean Certificate.

I want to compare a few of the harmful chemicals that are beI want to compare a few of the harmful chemicals that are being used verses the natural chemicals we should use. let’s start with a chemical called Alkyl Phenoxy Polyethoxy Ethanol’s also known as Nonyl Phenol. This is a chemical found in laundry detergents, all purpose cleaners and surface cleaners. This chemical has found to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells and feminize fish. Researchers have also found that it activates estrogen receptor in cells which alters the activity of certain genes, also known to be used as a spermicide.

Next we have Artificial fragrances which are used to make things smell good but doesn’t help our environment or our health. Most artificial fragrances are not biodegradable and made with petroleum. This chemical has a major toxic affect on animals such as fish and mammals . Not only does it harm the animals but also causes allergies and skin or eye irritation ourselves.

Another toxic chemical used is Benzal Konium Chloride. This is used for disinfect , disinfectant cleaner, disinfectant hand soaps and lotions. Also known as  bactericide a chemical that is biologically active , which means it can negatively affect living organisms. This has caused an emergence of new strains of bacteria that are resistant to bactericides.

Those are a few of the toxic chemicals that we should definitely look into staying away from when it comes to using products that we clean with on a daily. For more information on many other toxic chemicals that are being used today go to IJSCA Green Cleaning Directory and search Green Cleaning. Now let’s give you a list of a few natural things that can replace those toxic chemicals to better our health and environment.

First you want to always go with natural  products/ homemade substitutes that are biodegradable, have no VOC’s and non toxic, things that are safe for children, pets also reduces health risks. Lemon is a good surface cleaner to clean bacteria/disinfect.Use soaps that are unscented and are in liquid form, avoid soaps with petroleum.Borax/Baking is a good deodorizer also good for laundry. White Vinegar cuts grease, removes mildew and also odors.

So there are truly things that can be done to improve healthy clean living also inexpensive.To learn more on Green cleaning don’t forget to check out IJSCA Green Cleaning Directory for good clean healthy ways to clean.

Thinking extensive home cleaning can help you get rid of the allergen problem? Unfortunately, to make your home free of allergies, you need to go for smart cleaning! Here is a list of the most effective smart home cleaning tips that will end the problem of allergens in your home for good! At the end of this blog, I'll include links to where you can find local daily pollen updates and a list of common allergens we deal with during the fall in Spokane. www.509packandclean.com

Smart Dusting

Dusting is an effective way to remove the dust and mold particles from your furniture, doors, and windows. Did you know that using a dry cloth or feather duster for dusting is not doing you any good? When you use a duster, the dust and mold particles spread to other parts of the furniture.

Instead of using a dry cloth or feather duster, you need to use a damp microfiber cloth. It stops the particles from spreading out and traps them in itself. When dusting your fans, doors, windows, ceilings, and furniture, make sure you are using a damp microfiber cloth.

Vacuuming the Allergens Away

Want to know an effective way to control allergens in your home? Vacuuming is one of the smartest home cleaning techniques that can help in getting rid of allergens. Dust particles and pet dander get accumulated on the furniture and carpet, and it becomes impossible to remove them. Use a HEPA filter vacuum to trap the small dust particles and pet dander.

Using a vacuum without a HEPA filter is similar to dusting with a duster. It spreads the particles in the air, making it impossible to remove them from the house. Try to vacuum your home at least twice every week for the best results.

Getting Rid of Mold and Mildew

One of the primary sources of allergens in a home is mold and mildew. When it comes to smart cleaning for removal of allergens, prevention of mold and mildew growth is an essential factor. These allergens grow and thrive in damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics.

You must replace the wallpapers with tiles in these specific areas where mold can grow. If you cannot use tiles, you can paint the walls after removing the wallpaper. After you take a shower or wash the bathroom, make sure you thoroughly dry it or turn on the exhaust fan.

Washing Away Allergens

Bugs around the house are not just annoying but even paves the way for severe allergies. A protein found in cockroach droppings triggers allergies in people. Using traps, baits, and boric acid is one way you can get rid of these bugs.

You must wash your pillows, bed covers, and blankets to get rid of such allergens. When bugs crawl over your bed, they leave behind allergens, and other particles get accumulated on it. Therefore, wash all your bed covers and pillow covers regularly!

Incorporate these super-simple and smart ways of home cleaning, make your home free from allergens!

If you're like most families you don't have time to do all of this on your own. Luckily we're just a phone call away! Book online or call us at 509-381-6551 to get started www.509packandclean.com 

As an employee I am limited to what actions I can take to directly change our current policies. BUT now that I am armed with the proper knowledge and skills I can educate my co workers and show them how green cleaning solutions are better over all for us, residents and the environment. We can identify what chemicals we are currently using and find healthier- green alternatives that will be more effective. We can also increase our recycling program and start expanding it to more options for our residents and the benefits of doing this only helps everyone in the long run.  

For me 2 examples of products we already use are simple green and baking soda.

Baking soda I have used for deodorizing and for pet stains . The baking soda absorbs the odors in the carpets and allows me to salvage some of them.  It also combined with water and scrubber it has been a handy tool in removing hard grease stains found in units.

Another example is simple green. there many uses for this product but the one we've found is to clean our boiler system. It cuts out the grim, dirt, black soot, it really does an amazing job.

It is important that all cleaning employees and staff understand the importance of blood borne pathogens. Exposure to blood borne pathogens can cause serious illness and if not treated possibly death. Cleaners working in an environment where bodily fluids and blood is involved need to understand the proper way of dealing with it in order to stay safe and properly perform their duties.

Employees and staff working in environments where blood and bodily fluids are present should be properly trained to handle these issues. Always wearing protective gear such as disposable latex gloves and eye protection is critical. Understanding how to handle needles and other sharp items is also critical. Properly cleaning surfaces using the appropriate disinfectant is mission critical and will prevent decease.

Handling waste properly by making sure that it is processed in the proper disposal bags either red or orange disposable bags. Also when removing the trash bags from containers never crush or compress the bag. Properly handling of waste after clean up is essential in preventing decease.

Learn More About Bloodborne Pathogens Here