Green Cleaning Myths

Lake oswego -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Apr 9, 2011 -- Green Cleaning Myths:

More and more attention is being paid to green cleaning. However there have been several myths and misconceptions spread about the products and procedures of green cleaning.

Myth #1: Green cleaning products are expensive.

Truth: When green cleaning chemicals were first manufactured they were priced higher than traditional cleaning chemicals. Today the costs of green cleaning products are no more expensive than the cost of traditional cleaning products. Increased research and production of green cleaning products have decreased the cost of green cleaning products and supplies. So green cleaning products are no longer any more expensive than traditional cleaning products.

Myth #2: Green cleaning products and procedures are not as effective as traditional cleaning products and procedures.

Truth: The improvement in green cleaning products and supplies has made them just as effective as traditional cleaning methods. Some products, such as microfiber cloths, actually clean better than traditional dust cloths that spread more dust than they pick up.

Myth #3: All I need to do is use green products and I can market my business as a green cleaning company.

Truth: Green cleaning is much more than using green products. It is a whole system that starts with proper training of employees, implementing methods to keep soil out of buildings such as adequate matting and reducing the need for chemicals (for example, daily vacuuming so carpet cleaning is not needed as often).

Myth #4: Companies who offer green cleaning services need to be certified.

Truth: Although there are certifications available (Green Seal® and LEED), you are not required to become certified to implement a green cleaning program.

Myth #5: Only environmentalists are concerned with green cleaning.

Truth: More and more businesses are concerned with the chemicals that are used in their buildings and are looking for better alternatives. Green cleaning is not only cost effective, but is better for a building’s indoor air quality – making it a better environment for employees and customers.

Myth #6: To implement a green cleaning program you have to dump all of your current cleaning chemicals and buy new green chemicals.

Truth: You can start slowly transitioning from your current system to green cleaning procedures. It is best to start with getting rid of your harshest chemicals first and gradually switches the rest of your products, equipment and procedures. It works best to switch one product at a time, so you can evaluate the results and make sure that the product fulfills your particular needs.


How Do You Start a Green Cleaning Program?

Don’t just jump into green cleaning. Start by learning about the problems associated with poor indoor air quality and what your cleaning company’s part is in keeping a building healthy.
As mentioned earlier, green cleaning is much more than just using green chemicals. You also need to learn about the chemicals, equipment and procedures that you need to clean effectively and efficiently. Above all, proper training is the key to green cleaning.

How Improper Cleaning Affects Indoor Air Quality:

Poor indoor air quality comes from a variety of sources and some flaws will be out of the control of your cleaning company (for example, poor building design and poor ventilation). However, the following are items that the cleaning staff does have control over and can adjust to improve indoor air quality:

• Proper storage of chemicals.
• Proper use of chemicals.
• Proper dilution of chemicals.
• Properly using cleaning equipment and supplies to reduce cross contamination.
• Making sure that kitchens and bathrooms are properly cleaned. Standing water (even in water drains) and improper cleaning allows microbes and bacteria to grow.
• Making sure food is not left out, which can attract pests.
• Using appropriate procedures when dusting, vacuuming and sweeping so you’re not moving the dust around the room or making it airborne.
• Proper care of cleaning equipment, vacuums, mops, microfibers, etc.
• Using high efficiency vacuums with HEPA filtration.
• Performing cleaning tasks frequently and keeping a building in prime condition so that fewer chemicals are necessary. For example, when vacuuming is done daily, carpet cleaning may not need to be done as often, which reduces the number of chemicals being used on the carpet.
• Proper training of cleaning personnel.


What is LEED?

Companies and businesses across the U.S. are becoming more environmentally conscious and many are starting to adopt LEED standards and protocols. LEED stands for Leadership in Environmental Design. The U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization, which is working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, launched the LEED rating system. The overall goal of the program is to make the places we live in and work at become healthier environments. There are two main classifications for LEED; one for existing buildings - LEED-EB and one for new construction - LEED-NC.

As Portland Cleaning Services companies compete harder than never, it's no longer enough to just supply good cleaning services portland to your customers. Cleaning companies need to be aware of this growing trend towards becoming LEED certified. One important aspect of becoming LEED certified is integrating green cleaning into a building's overall janitorial services and practices.

To achieve LEED recognition, a building needs to have a thorough evaluation, which is based on a point system. The process uses a checklist that evaluates many items including: the building's power use, its waste management program, equipment used, the products used to clean the building, and even the storage of those cleaning products. As a cleaning business owner, you can help your clients gain needed certification “points” through your green cleaning program. This is a valuable marketing tool that you can use to promote to existing or potential clients who are interested in becoming LEED certified.

One portion of the LEED criteria looks at the steps a building takes to lessen the cleaning's impact on the environment. This is an important area as it is estimated that six billion pounds of commercial cleaning products are used throughout buildings in the United States each year. In addition, commercial buildings use over 4 million pounds of hand towels and toilet tissue and 30 million trash bags each year.

Some cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to indoor air pollution. Cleaning products can also leave residue that causes eye and skin irritation. This is irritating not only to janitorial workers, but also to the building's occupants. Using safer, less toxic cleaning products can lead to a healthier building and higher worker productivity.

A building owner who wants to become LEED certified will look closely at their janitorial services. Integrating green cleaning practices into your business also means looking for environmentally preferable cleaning products. Labels on cleaning products can be confusing. One way to make sure you are buying environmentally sound products is to buy products that are "Green Seal®" certified. Green Seal® is a nonprofit organization that promotes products and services that cause less pollution and waste, conserves resources and habitats, and reduces global warming.

Becoming LEED certified shows that building owners are committed to becoming an environmental leader. In addition, some government agencies are providing financial incentives to buildings who take on this leadership role. Learning about LEED and its requirements will give your cleaning company an edge up on the competition. Put yourself in the driver's seat by understanding your company's role in maintaining healthy and environmentally sound buildings.

Green Cleaning Services, Inc. is a Portland-Oregon based janitorial service started in 2001 by property managers and janitorial contractors who recognized the need for a reliable, quality driven, green cleaning company in the region.

Concerned with the long-term health and environmental effects of traditional cleaning methods on our families, tenants, employees and the environment, we created a Portland Cleaning Services company to bring non-toxic, eco-friendly, advanced commercial office cleaning to Portland-Vancouver Greater Area.

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Green Cleaning Services, Inc.
Green Cleaning Services, Inc.
503-626-2323
http://www.green-cleaning-services.com/