There are vast differences between using everyday common cleaners versus using natural green cleaning products, I will begin my discussion on very effective but harmful solvents that are used in many cleaners called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's). According to (Tox Town n.d.), “Many volatile organic compounds are commonly used in paint thinners, lacquer thinners, moth repellents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, degreasers, automotive products, and dry cleaning fluids”. These VOC's can virtually change from a liquid state into a harmful vapor, along with carbon, they contain elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, sulfur or nitrogen, and can react with nitrogen-oxides to form ground level smog.

Short-term exposure to volatile organic compounds can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, fatigue, loss of coordination, allergic skin reactions, nausea, and memory impairment. Long-term exposure to volatile organic compounds can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

According to (How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies? n.d.) The most acutely dangerous cleaning products are corrosive drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and acidic toilet bowl cleaners. Corrosive chemicals can cause severe burns on eyes, skin and, if ingested, on the throat and esophagus. Ingredients with high acute toxicity include chlorine bleach and ammonia, which produce fumes that are highly irritating to eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and should not be used by people with asthma or lung or heart problems. These two chemicals pose an added threat in that they can react with each other or other chemicals to form lung-damaging gases.

According to (EPA, 2018, February 13) choosing less hazardous products that have positive environmental attributes (e.g., biodegradability, low toxicity, low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, reduced packaging, low life cycle energy use) and taking steps to reduce exposure can minimize harmful impacts to custodial workers and building occupants, improve indoor air quality, and reduce water and ambient air pollution while also ensuring the effectiveness of cleaning in removing biological and other contaminants from the building's interior.

By comparing and contrasting everyday common cleaners and natural green cleaning products, one can easily see that the risk versus the rewards of using cleaning agents containing VOC's and other dangerous compounds are quite obvious. Custodial workers and building occupants, should never be exposed to bad indoor air or risk a severe skin irritation. There are many positive environmental, safety, and health benefits associated with using natural green products, they should always be used for these reasons, especially when these green products are as effective as their harmful counterparts.

Locate us and order your Certified Green Cleaning Service today through the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory located at: http://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

Tox Town - Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Toxic chemicals and environmental health risks where you live and work - Text Version. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=31

How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies

Greening Your Purchase of Cleaning Products: A Guide For Federal Purchasers. (2018, February 13). Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/greening-your-purchase-cleaning-products-guide-federal-purchasers

Nicole's cleaning are working on change the home cleaning concept to Green/Organic company.

After lots of research about best practices and products we choose to use HEPA Filter vaccum, and home made green cleaning products 100% chemical free. We are also having our team on intensive training on how to use and the benefits for they own health when use the new system.

When you choose to use green cleaning products, you are making a vote to protect the environment so to speak. Most ideal green cleaning products are made using sustainable manufacturing practices and naturally derived, safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable ingredients that don't negatively impact the environment. On the other hand, some conventional cleaning products contain ingredients that are toxic, hazardous, non-biodegradable, and from non-renewable resources like petroleum, so they adversely affect the earth's eco-systems.

The  results are being amazing and our team and clients are happy with.

Find IJCSA Certified Green Cleaning Services Here

I'm so thankful IJCSA has made this so accessible for me. I took this step to ensure my clients that cleaning their spaces using my company will be met with my continued commitment to stay cutting-edge on green cleaning BEST practices. I vow to hold highly their satisfaction and heath in every detail. 

Why so thorough? This is my best fit; There's something so freeing and refreshing about relaxing in a clean house. It's also my niche. That, and, I'm an honest, hard-working, mom who totally gets how precious time is, that's why I'm fully versed on the latest, time-saving, cleaning solutions. Armed with green cleaning tips and tricks, I'll service clients using natural products to replace all the chemicals, a good sealed Hepa Vac, microfiber-cloths, and my newest edition, the steamer to ensure all surfaces are safe and properly maintained.

What I've learned through this class and my ongoing research will completely revamp how I used to clean. Now, instead of cleaning for appearance, those same spaces will be cleaner and sanitized. Safer for kids and pets, peace of mind for families. We get time back and we're healthier. Sounds like a win-win to me. Thank-you for this opportunity to help promote my business, it means a lot!

Find A IJCSA Certified Green Cleaning Service Here

When you love what you do it shows!  You're motivated, self-determined,  pro-active, customer-oriented, and always willing to learn, grow and improve!  Being a member of the multi-million dollar cleaning industry is awesome, and equally awesome is the satisfaction of specializing in the best products and services for our customers and for our employees--GREEN services!  

Becoming certified in green cleaning gives us greater pride in what we do and how we do it.  This certification will help to enhance our business and continue our reputation of excellence and commitment to quality cleaning.  It is an honor to be a member of IJCSA joining other professionals in the ranks as certified green cleaners.  Visit us at http://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services.

When a customer requests a cleaning of their residence or office, we at SPRUCED! Cleaning Services, LLC understand.  We understand the customer already believes that living and/or working in a cleaner environment means living and/or working in a “healthier” environment.  What the customer may need help realizing is how using traditional cleaning products vs. “green” cleaning products may actually be jeopardizing their health in the process of cleaning.  Becoming a certified green cleaning service will set my company apart from others as professional, trained and knowledgeable cleaners dedicated to providing customers with excellent cleaning and healthier results.

As a certified green cleaning service, we can help our customers understand the pros and cons of green cleaning vs. traditional cleaning. Traditional cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can cause chronic and acute health issues, including “irritation of the eyes, upper and lower airway mucous membranes, and the skin” (*online article: T.C.Yeomans, N. McKeon, J. McKeon and E.B. Mitchell).  In contrast, green cleaning products and services can significantly reduce these and other types of health risks, while providing effective cleaning results.  While the costs for green cleaning may be a little more—our educated customers will agree that their health is worth it. 

People are becoming more educated about improving the ‘true’ health of their environment. Consequently, they are increasingly seeking professional, “certified” cleaning services from companies who share a commitment to providing excellent cleaning results with the least toxic impact.  Many such green cleaning companies have chosen to become member affiliated with well-known associations like the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA).  The IJCSA not only helps train and certify their member cleaning companies, but they offer a search engine for finding professional certified companies to perform customized cleaning at http://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services?&tab=1.

As a professional cleaner, soon to be “certified” green cleaner, I personally benefit an improvement to my health as well as to the health of our employees.  Working day-to-day inhaling and using traditional cleaning products, we’ve begun to notice slight headaches, eye and nasal irritation.  As a result, we’ve already begun to purchase green cleaning products and are noticing a big difference!  GET SPRUCED! GO GREEN!!Green Cleaning Services

 

*The quote in the second paragraph above is extracted from the online publication "Cleaning Agents: The Divide - Human Friendly vs Environmentally Friendly" by T.C. Yeomans, N. McKeon, J. McKeon and E.B. Mitchell, which appeared in the cleaning technology journal Tenside Surfactants Detergents (issue 02/2010, pages 81 -86).

Green cleaning products and services are blooming and booming these days and with good reason.  Certified green solutions are free from carcinogens, fragrances, and other ingredients which can cause health problems.  Green equipment, such as vacuums designed to eliminate dust from circulating through the air, improve indoor air quality.  Yes, people are noticing the BIG difference between using greener methods of cleaning over more traditional cleaning methods.  Green cleaning products are safer yet still effective!    

While the demand for "greener" cleaning is growing fast for residential and commercial cleaning, it is still very important to understand best use practices.  Working with cleaning providers who are certified and who share a commitment to using a "green cleaning method" is quickly becoming a feature many more consumers are requiring when choosing their cleaners.   

Online search engines like that provided by the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA)  provides easy access to hundreds of green cleaning services.  Go to http://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Service.  The directory provides a go to Simple Search as well as an Advance Search option which offers users the ability to choose values for narrowing the search by location, discounts offered, specializations, etc.  Users are sure to find what they're looking for:  green cleaning service providers committed to ensuring they provide the healthiest, most effective green cleaning services available.

GET SPRUCED! GO GREEN!

SPRUCED! Cleaning Services, LLC

Implementing green cleaning services into our business begins with our passion for contributing to an overall "healthier" world.  Yes, we've got big dreams but big dreams become fulfilled utilizing the step-by-step approaches taken toward reaching the goal!

We at SPRUCED! Cleaning Services, LLC, are less than two months old but we've already done some "green cleaning" research and are currently implementing the use of color-coded, microfiber cloths to prevent cross contamination from room to room as well as investing in "greener" vacuums to improve indoor air quality. 

Our most significant implementation to date and going forward has been becoming green cleaning "certified".  With green cleaning certification through our membership with IJCSA (ijcsa.org), we not only gain the knowledge we need to provide a holistic green cleaning method, but we now have access to continuous green cleaning information via email and course updates which will help us provide maximum health benefits to our customers, and the environment. 

GET SPRUCED!  GO GREEN!

Cheryl Jackson

  

We are a green company already, with a green cleaning program.

We are committed to protecting the environment by using earth friendly products that preserve health and environmental quality. 

Our technicians understand that eco-friendly cleaning is more than just a trend, is a crucial part of our commitment to the environment and our customers.

Using only green products we have obtained many benefits with our customers and employees since the products are less aggressive than others in the market for the closed spaces where we are mainly working.

Find Other IJCSA Certified Green Cleaning Companies & Us Here

Having asthma and other past health-related issues has forced me to become an avid label reader. And in doing so, I began to notice over time we are exposed to serious substances abnormal to nature and it's causing negative side effects. And not only did those icky substances irritate my breathing, but I began to recognize when I was in the presence of them my reactions were the same: wheezing, coughing, etc. I didn't know what those chemicals were yet, but I was determined to find out and make sure not to purchase them ever, if possible.

BUT, Who exactly are the most common offenders and where will you find these chemicals lurking? This article will outline these as well as some unresolved concerns.

Alarmingly, most of these cleaners/chemicals are the most TOXIC around. And the bulk of these are cleaners hiding in our homes in cabinets and on shelves! With corrosive drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and acidic toilet bowel cleaners, coming in at the top of the list. Followed very closely by bleach, ammonia, and lye. According to one internet article posted at www.organicconsumers.org, in 2000, US Poison Control Centers "reported fielding 206,636 calls due to toxic cleaning product exposure. And of that, 120,434 were children under 6, who can ingest or spill these products." 

Additionally, the author of this article detailed both personal/environmental long and short term effects from exposure to varying degrees of toxicity. As well as, examining the plastics many of these chemical cleaning products are contained in. Other irritants in the form of APE's, fragrances (which incidentally are not disclosed on labels due to trade-secret contracts), phosphates, surfactants, detergents, disinfectants, and other petroleum-based chemicals that linger in the soil and ground-water long afterward. In fact, "in May of 2002, the US Geological Survey tested the contaminants in stream water across the country and found that 69% contained persistent detergent metabolites and 66% contained disinfectants. www.organicconsumers.org"

Look for key words like : CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER...

Where is the advocacy? Overwhelmingly better regulation is needed to keep the public and the environment safer from these toxic, potentially deadly substances. I, we, and our environment deserve better options. Although I believe those outdated chemicals have NO place in today's cleaning regimen, most only "kill" a small percentage of pathogens, any cleaning benefit isn't worth the exposure. Natural or "green" products as they're called are the best alternative to those harmful, counter-productive chemicals. As a side note, ALL products, including green ones should be used, stored, and disposed of in the safest manner.

Coincidentally, most of these eco-friendly cleaning products can also be found in household cabinets. Items like vinegar, baking soda, lemons/juice, to name a few, which can become strong cleaners. Not just for brushing your teeth with or brightening up laundry, although those are great, I mean mold cleaning, sanitizing power! That's just the tip of the ice burg, add in a few other green products and practices and believe it or not, you've got a powerful arsenal of chemical-free-cleaning awesomeness! Always check the surface to be sure any product, green or otherwise, is safe and won't damage it. ALWAYS use best practices when using, storing, and disposing of any product.

Finally, some key things to look for when shopping for "green cleaning" products. Remember "Key words on labels like: Danger, Caution, Poison will help alert you to toxicity--if label ingredients aren't all disclosed, avoid these where possible. Also, look for biodegradable time frames, if listed, for example, breaks down in "...3-5 days." Choose plant-based rather than petroleum based. And where possible seek out the largest size/bulk and go for those with packing made of recycled materials. This helps end-user companies who specialize in those types of recycled materials. Lastly look for concentrated cleaners or those bottled with 20% or less water in them. Ideally, less added water at the factory means less container materials and lower shipping fuel costs." And REFUSE to use any/all of the above listed chemicals, since for every toxic chemical there is an alternative that works as good if not better. Now you have an idea where to find these toxic chemicals and what to look for to avoid them. But, if you'd rather trust green cleaning to the professionals, a good place to start is the business directory at the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association located at: http://www.ijcsa.org/Find-A-Cleaning-Service-Janitorial-Service

References

Taken from internet article located at: https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies. Accessed 2018 July 11.

What is a good commercial cleaning business without carpet cleaning as a provided service?

Providing exceptional service is a must when you want repeat business and want customers to recommend your cleaning company to their friends and family. We at All American Affordable Commercial Cleaners is certified in carpets, chemicals and green cleaning to provide a well rounded carpet cleaning schedule to prolong the life and condition of your commercial carpeting. We remove all dust particles, dirt, allergens, bacteria, grease and impacted stains etc. www.aaacomclean.biz

We help improve the longevity of the carpet and contribute to healthier enviornments because some of the dust and allergens that get trapped in the carpet fibers may find their way into the breathing air- where they can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions and other health problems. Bacteria in the carper can also create odors, making it more difficult to breathe for those battling asthma or allergies. Steam cleaning with high temperatures of water kills off allergens so that they are no longer a health threat and leaves the surface of the carpet fully sanitized.