Immerse cleaning

        is built on the idea and practice of Green Cleaning. We stress cleaning methods which reduce allergens and prevent the use of chemicals. Our primary tool to clean is STEAM! With just steam alone we can clean, disinfect, and deodorize virtually any surface. This allows people sensitive to chemicals or have certain allergies to benefit from a simple 100% Green Cleaning method.

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Ark-V Enterprise, LLC works to provide the safest cleaning service for commercial and residential cleaning.  Green cleaning techniques and products avoid the use of chemically-reactive and toxic cleaning products. This option provides a safer environment for your family and employees.

As a customer of an IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified member, you will be sure to have a tailored experience to meet your needs. We will discuss any potential allergies and health concerns prior to servicing any requested areas. This conversation allows us to consider various green cleaning mixtures or products to get the job done. For many popular cleaners, there is likely a nontoxic, green alternative.

Our goal is to provide a positive green experience so we can work as a team to reduce our carbon footprint. Here’s a look at our Green Cleaning Program”

• Meet with client to discuss allergies, health concerns, or any other pertinent information
• Identify current products used
• Discuss green alternatives to current products used and provide options that will not irritate any health issues
• Present plan to customer to include: products, biodegradable storage, procedures, and in between service maintenance
• Implement Green Cleaning Service

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Green cleaning is the process of choosing cleaning products that are better for both people and the environment. Green cleaning products are good for health and well being for people, and it also prevents unnecessary chemicals from being released into the air.

Small children and pets are especially vulnerable to due to higher exposure levels because of their size. Plus, household cleaning supplies are one of the top five substance classes accounting for calls to the National Poison Control Center according to the 2019 annual report. So, you minimize risk with green cleaning products that aren't toxic or as dangerous.

As with the Pristine Cleaning company which uses all green cleaning products. The company uses economical cleaning products that are inexpensive and may be right in your home already. They use Vinegar and lemon water which is something I will definitely be using in my home from now on.

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Having your carpet cleaned regularly is very important. Not only will proper cleaning keep your house looking and smelling nice, it will also add to the overall value of your home and protect the investment that you made in carpeting it in the first place.

Beyond the aesthetic and financial aspect of maintaining a clean carpet, there are also health-related reasons to have your carpet cleaned. Think about it like this: What part of your body touches your carpet more than any other? That would be the bottoms of your feet. And where else do the bottoms of your feet go? Everywhere that you do! Sidewalks, dirt, grass, public restrooms... Literally everywhere you go, unless you know how to levitate, the bottoms of your feet pick up little bits and pieces of those places, and then bring them right into your home and deposit them into your carpet. Remember the last nasty gas station bathroom that you were in? Whether you know it or not, you took a little bit of that bathroom home on your feet and deposited it into your carpet. Would you walk barefoot across that bathroom floor? Would you lay on that bathroom floor, and watch TV? Do you want your children sitting and playing on that bathroom floor? Of course not! And yet, you bring those germs and bacteria home in the soles of your shoes, and then do all of those aforementioned things on your carpeted floor.

If you are a pet owner, it is doubly important to have your carpet cleaned. Pet dander is a major allergen, but even if you and your family are allergy-free, your pet also tracks everything it walks over into your carpet. And let's not even go into gory detail about the fact that your pets certainly do not wear pants, but sit bare-reared on your carpet. All of that makes carpeting a ripe breeding ground for things that can make you sick.

A good vacuuming may pick up dirt, pet hair, and other loose particles. But, to get a truly clean floor, it is essential that you have your carpets thoroughly cleaned by a trained professional who knows the proper chemistry needed to effectively apply cleaning products, as well as how to use carpet cleaning machinery in a way that is safe for your home. Getting your carpet cleaned keeps your house pretty, helps maintain the value of your home, and helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. For a healthy home and a healthy family, have your carpets cleaned by a professional!

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As Assistant Director for Facilities and Grounds at University of West Georgia (UWG) responsible for the Custodial and Campus Services Department (CCS) is my responsibility to promote a green cleaning program into our institution daily cleaning routine. Attaining the IJCSA Cleaning Certification is a great opportunity to lead by example in honoring our value of integrity and sustainability with our environment and our community.

A combination of technologies were at the moment we use Orbio (from The Tennant Co.) or electrolyze water and shifting to GenEon engineering water technologies we plan to reduce cleaning chemical products to a goal of 100%. However, most important the strategies that will supplement our electrolyze water technologies in case of unit failure are all the green practices, procedures and considerations used on the IJCSA Green Certification program.

This implementation will support the intent of University of West Georgia Custodial and Campus Services Department to compete for the CITS-Green Custodial Program Certification and execute a cleaning routine 100% chemical free. In addition, the IJCSA Green Certification will become a permanent supplementary reference and training source of the UWG Custodial program.

Thank you IJCSA for your dedication and commitment to Green and the environment!

 

Industrial cleaning supplies or household products can have an inmediate impact on your health. Some of the most common physical symptoms can be irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems, including cancer. Most products release dangerous chemicals and/or toxins like:

• ·         Chlorines

• ·         Phthalates (found in furniture polish)

• ·         Butyl cellosolve and petroleum distillates (found in oven cleaning products)

• ·         Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide (found in drain cleaning products)

• ·         Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) (found in detergents and disinfectants, and are suspected hormone disruptors)

• ·         Ammonia (which is poisonous when swallowed, extremely irritating to respiratory passages when inhaled and can burn the skin on contact)

• ·         Diethanolamine (DEA) (can combine with nitrosomes to produce carcinogenic nitrosamines that penetrate skin)

• ·         Fragrances may contain phthalates, chemicals linked to reproductive abnormalities and liver cancer in lab animals and to asthma in children

• ·         Sodium hydroxide (found in drain, metal and oven cleaners; extremely irritating to eyes, nose and throat and can burn tissues on contact

• ·         Sodium lauryl sulfate (a common sudsing agent, can penetrate the skin and cause contact dermatitis)

• ·         Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA, 2004-2019).

A less immediate, but harmful effect overtime are founds in products containing VOCs. The use of VOC’s with other chemicals and/or cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Studies are validating how these chemicals affect people who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, past studies link exposure to chemicals from cleaning supplies to occupational asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Industrial supplies and household products containing VOCs and other toxic substances can include, but are not limited to:

• Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty and cleaning products
• Air fresheners
• Chlorine bleach
• Detergent and dishwashing liquid
• Dry cleaning chemicals
• Rug and upholstery cleaners
• Furniture and floor polish
• Oven cleaners (International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA, 2004-2019).

Not only have we needed to have self-awareness though knowledge and training on industrial or household cleaning products; but also in cleaning practices and procedures. Is imperative that never mix bleach or any bleach-containing product with any cleaner containing ammonia.

In simple words, the gases created from this combination can lead to chronic breathing problems and even death. Recent research has found that even natural fragrances in cleaning products, particularly in air fresheners, may react with high levels of ozone from indoor sources (for example, from some air cleaning devices)or from outdoor air to form formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and dangerous fine particles indoors. Ozone is a harmful, but invisible, gas that worsens asthma and other lung diseases. Particles are also common air pollutants that can worsen asthma and other lung diseases and risk heart attacks and stroke. Both ozone and particles can be life threatening (Organic Consumers Association (OCA), 2019).

Some Green Tips and Safe Practices

The following are some green practices and safe procedures that we can implement to mitigate the health risks exposure:

·         Read all labels on cleaning supplies and household products before you buy them.

·         Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants and flammable ingredients.

·         Avoid using air fresheners altogether.

·         As a safer cleaning alternative, warm water and soap often will do the trick, especially at home.

·         Baking soda is good for scrubbing.

·         A mix of vinegar and water can clean glass.

·         When using cleaning or household products, keep the area well ventilated.

·         Open windows and doors. Never use cleaning products in a small, enclosed space (International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA, 2004-2019).

Also below there is a listed number of all-purpose cleaners that are gentler on human health and the environment. While eco-friendlier cleaners are becoming more widely available in conventional grocery and home stores, most can be found only at natural foods stores or must be ordered by mail.

• ·         AFM SafeChoice Super Clean, www.afmsafecoat.com, 800/239-0321

• ·         Aubrey Organics Earth Aware, www.aubreyorganics.com, 800/282-7394

• ·         BioShield Vinegar Cleaner, www.bioshieldpaint.com, 800/621-2591

• ·         Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile (Liquid) Soaps, www.drbronner.com, 760/743-2211

• ·         Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds, www.drbronner.com, 760/743-2211

• ·         Ecover All-Purpose Cleaner, www.ecover.com, 800/449-4925

• ·         Ecover Multi-Surface Cleaner, www.ecover.com, 800/449-4925

• ·         1st EnviroSafety Cleaner/Degreaser, www.1stenvirosafety.com, 888/578-9600

• ·         Naturally Yours Gentle Soap, 888/801-7347

• ·         Our House Works Sanitizing Surface Cleaner, www.ourhouseworks.com, 877/236-8750

• ·         Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, www.seventhgeneration.com

• ·         Shaklee Basic H, www.shaklee.com, 800/SHAKLEE

• ·         Vermont Soapworks Liquid Sunshine, www.vermontsoap.com, 866/SOAP4U2 (Organic Consumers Association (OCA), 2019).

Remember that products that are labeled "green" do not necessarily mean they are safer. Do a little research on the product from a reliable source. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of products that meet its Safer Choice requirements for cleaning and other needs. They include cleaning products for home and vehicles.

Remember that manufacturers are not obligated by U.S. law to list all ingredients in consumer products.

Reference:

International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA). (2004-2019). Green Certification Course Study Material. Retrieved on July 19, 2019 from https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Certification-Course

Organic Consumers Association (OCA). (2019). How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies?. Retrieved on July 19, 2019 from https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies

       I am just starting up a cleaning business, and am going to be all green. It is better on the environment, on me, and my clients, as well as their pets. There is no hazardous fumes, VOC's, or toxic waste that can make kids or pets sick. I believe it to better for the environment as well

       After reading the green certification course, I can now confidently make my own safe cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, essential oils like lavender to help with scent. This gives me the advantage over other companies, since I do not see any in my area offering green cleaning services. Plus I am making a difference in the environment. Huge bonus.

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You would think that the cleaning products that are easily sold in your local grocery store are safe but you may be wrong. Studies have shown that chemicals found in common household cleaners and cosmetics contribute to diseases. Not only have these chemicals shown to be a burden of disease but also economic and environment cost. 

A study in 2010 shows that endocrine-disrupting chemicals have lowered IQ points and intellectual disability. These chemicals have also been linked to obesity, autism, heart disease and reproductive toxicity, let alone the effects it has on your skin. A lot of these chemicals are meant to break down grease and grime and are very abrasive. 

Fragrances added to many cleaners, most notably laundry detergents and fabric softeners, may cause acute effects such as respiratory irritation, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes in sensitive individuals or allergy and asthma sufferers. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found that one-third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic. But because the chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets, companies aren't required to list their ingredients but merely label them as containing "fragrance."

We can protect the environment by not using petroleum-based products, which contribute to the depletion of non-renewable resources. Phosphates is another famous water pollutant and are commonly found in laundry and dishwasher detergents. Too much of these chemicals can make our water very toxic to both humans and wildlife.

Green cleaning products are not only safe for your household and environment they are also cheaper. One of the common misconceptions is that natural, green products are more expensive but in the long term they actually save you money. Natural cleaning products include vinegar, lemon, borax, castile soap and baking soda. These ingredients have never been marked as harmful and are most likely in your cabinets now. 

So instead of waiting for these chemicals to become illegal, make the switch now. When looking for green products to use, choose products with plant-based, instead of petroleum-based ingredients. Another good sign to look out for is the "keep out of reach of children" label and other tell-tale hazard warnings. 

Health Problems from Common Chemicals Cost $340 Billion Per Year: Study

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the USA: a population-based disease burden and cost analysis

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Here at Intec Building Services, we plan on implementing a GREEN cleaning program both for the safety and overall health of our customers, employees and the environment. Being in the janitorial business for over 35 years, experience and research has proved that cleaning chemicals are loaded with toxins and can produce harmful effects to individual’s overall health and to our environment. 

Many common cleaning chemicals such as general purpose cleaners, Windex, oven cleaners and even simple air fresheners can cause lung and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, burning of the skin, cancers and can poison humans, animals and plants.  Said chemicals will ultimately end up in our rivers and streams causing irreversible effects on our environment.  

Here at Intec, we strive to be a socially and environmentally friendly and responsible company, which is why we are choosing to go GREEN!

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Acquiring the IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification for my company; Green Clean Home Care Services, places the seal of approval that we have met all the required international "Green" standards. 

To us as founders and owners of this company, we do not want to be another listing in the cleaning company industry, but more importantly, to stand out, have an edge on the janitorial cleaning industry and in our market. We don't want to just say we use these products, but that we have bragging rights to do so - as we are trained and meet the "green clean" standards through a legitimate and an internationally well-known company as IJCSA. Being part of an international membership whereby there are active discussions via a knowledge-sharing forum available to gain information from experts who are engaging - this is a huge benefit particularly to our company.  

Green Clean Home Care Services is a unique company, as we are the only company on our islands that is 100% Eco-Friendly and chemical free. We offer an array of personalised services including but not restricted to; home care services for your family, home and pets. Our staff are trained in using green products and have over 15 years of residential cleaning service experience. We go the extra mile, and take exemplary care in whatever task we undertake. Our goal is to meet and exceed our client's expectations.

From inception, we only stocked specifically required cleaning equipment and products, and have implemented the green cleaning program as part of our policy, day-to day routine, as guided on your website. We only use  Citrus Clean product - which is a multipurpose cleaning solution made from orange peel, and is a product out of Florida, baking soda, lemon, cleaning vinegar, peroxide, dish soap, essential oils and peppermint oil soap - all natural, eco-friendly products. We are open to exploit other green products we have identified and noted by other members.

We only use micro-fibre cleaning supplies including; micro-fibre mops, sweepers, cleaning cloths, H.E.P.A. vacuums, and steam cleaning systems. We do not use any other products other than Eco-friendly and green products - this is what we stand by. We take the name seriously and have therefore equipped ourselves and trained our staff to live by this mindset. 

Training workshops are ongoing for our staff so they are kept current as well and are able to educate our clients, if asked why we do what we do.

We care about our environment and will be proud to be an IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified Company!