Sustainable Cleaning and What That Means
Sustainable cleaning means meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Several everyday cleaning products contain chemicals that harm humans and the planet. Luckily, there are sustainable cleaning methods that prove to be effective and eco-friendly. Many synthetic compounds in household cleaners are toxic and harmful and can be released into the air, water sources, human bodies, etc. Sustainable cleaning products are made not to pollute and be better for the environment and health.
Implementing sustainable cleaning can help:
- Maintain better air quality
- Reduce pollution in our water
- Reduce exposure to allergy-causing substances
- Reduce exposure to pollutants that have been found to cause cancer, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalance, and more.
Cleaning products are necessary to maintain attractive and healthy conditions in the home and the workplace. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of cleaning, removing dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, many cleaning products can present health and environmental concerns and contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, respiratory irritation, or other human health issues. Using greener cleaning products can help reduce the human health and environmental concerns of cleaning.
To make it easier for purchasers to identify greener cleaning products, EPA manages the Safer Choice program, which certifies products that contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment. In addition to the Safer Choice label, EPA offers the Design for the Environment (DfE) label on antimicrobial products, such as disinfectants and sanitizers. Whether a product displays the Safer Choice label or the DfE label, the exact stringent requirements and high standards must be met for that product to become certified. EPA online search tools to help consumers and purchasers find Safer Choice and DfE-certified products include:
- Safer Choice-Certified Product Search
- DfE-Certified Product Search, including those also on List N (antimicrobial products, like disinfectants and sanitizers)
Make the Most of Household Products
Plenty of households spend a lot of money on name-brand chemical cleaners. But, did you know that you’re likely to have robust natural cleaners already in your pantry? And if you don’t, these items are extremely affordable compared to name-brand chemical cleaners. For example, lemon juice has a high acidity level which allows it to easily cut through stubborn grease. Lemon also has natural antibacterial properties, giving it the power to decimate bacteria lingering on surfaces. White vinegar is another common pantry item that can be used to clean your cooktop, descale your coffee maker, wash your windows (and without streaking), and reduce mineral deposits and film in the bathroom.
Another sustainable cleaning option is baking soda, gentle enough for cleaning plastic, countertops, toilets, sinks, and other surfaces. In fact, the combination of white vinegar and baking soda can even be used for a partially clogged drain. This solution will dissolve and push the sludge through the pipes and allow water to flow easily. Simply drop 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, pour in 1 cup of vinegar, cover the drain with a plug, and let sit for 10 minutes (you’ll hear fizzing). Rinse with hot water. If necessary, repeat these steps a couple of times. Clearing out your drains regularly with baking soda and vinegar can help prevent the accumulation of debris and clogs altogether.
Many Brand-name Cleaners Contain Synthetic Fragrances
Many brand-name cleaners contain synthetic fragrances. So, why does this matter? According to the Committee on Science & Technology, approximately 95 percent of fragrance chemicals are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. Petroleum-based chemicals have been shown to alter hormones and cause issues such as cancers, neurological disorders, weakening of the immune system, learning disabilities, allergies, and infertility, according to Richard Pressinger and Wayne Sinclair, MD.
Synthetic fragrances can be found in almost any type of product today, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, perfumes, colognes, household cleaning products, and air fresheners and candles. If you want to add a pleasant scent to the air, essential oils can be used as a sustainable cleaning option. You can either spray the oils into the air or add them to an all-natural DIY cleaner.
The Use of Air-Purifying Houseplants
With the current indoor pollution problems of our modern world, any indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins may help you breathe fresher, healthier indoor air. In 1989, NASA compiled a list of indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins. These plants can eliminate up to 87% of poisonous elements in the air. Most of these toxins come from everyday items around our homes like paint, varnishes, cleaning solutions, insulations, wood treatments, carpeting, and other products. Although houseplants may be intimidating to those who don’t have a green thumb, many of them are easy to grow and care for. Here are eight. easy to care for indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins, according to the NASA Study:
- Peace lilies – prefer medium to low light and are one of the best hard-to-kill houseplants that anyone can grow
- English Ivy – water the soil and mist the leaves frequently, provide bright, indirect light, and protect it from wind and excessive heat
- Spider plant – prefers indirect sunlight and is one of the most common, popular, and easy to grow of all the houseplants that clean the air.
- Dracaena plant – will often grow three feet tall, requiring larger pots and more space. They like to be misted rather than watered.
- Snake Plant – prefers bright light but tolerates low light levels as well. One of the best indoor plants that clean the air and hard to kill.
- Golden Pothos plant – cleans the air and removes toxins. This plant is tolerant of low light spaces and infrequent watering.
- Boston Fern – prefers a cool place with indirect light and high humidity levels. Keep the soil moist at all times.
- Ficus/Weeping Fig – a slow-growing tree that prefers a spot with enough bright light. The amount of water it requires depends on how much light it receives. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Repurposing Everyday Household Items for Cleaning
Sustainable cleaning presents plenty of opportunities for upcycling. Taking old, everyday household items and repurposing them for cleaning allows you to save money on cleaning tools and reduce the waste you create. Examples of repurposing items include using old toothbrushes to scrub small areas like tile and grout; turning sock singles into dusting gloves to clean blinds, ceiling fan blades, and toilets; turning old textiles such as sheets, towels, and cotton shirts into wash rags with a good pair of scissors, and stored with your cleaning supplies. The lifespan of everyday household items is only as limited as our imagination.
Sustainable cleaning is something we should all consider and do. Many traditional cleaners are laden with chemicals, while sustainable cleaning alternatives offer non-toxic methods without compromising effectiveness and efficiency.
Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services
Call Cleanstart today for more information about our high-quality cleaning services.
(253) 921-2593
Why Hire Cleanstart for Your Home or Facility?
For over two decades, Cleanstart has been providing quality residential cleaning services and commercial cleaning variety of industries, including professional offices, fitness centers/gyms, medical offices/clinics, retail stores, shopping centers, warehouses, distribution centers, factories, religious centers, auto dealerships, stadiums, construction sites, multi-tenant high-rise buildings, event venues, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and more.
What makes Cleanstart stand out from other cleaning companies is our attention to detail and our commitment to providing our customers with the highest standard of service possible. We are committed to using “environmentally preferable” green cleaning products to traditional products whenever possible. We offer a wide range of cleaning services, including hard floor stripping and waxing, upholstery/carpet cleaning and extraction, restrooms, high windows, high dusting, electrostatic disinfecting, post-construction/renovation cleanup, apartment/house move-in/move-outs, water damage cleanup, graffiti removal, exterior power washing, and more.
When you hire Cleanstart, you can count on customizable cleaning options at competitive rates. and we 100% guarantee our services. All of our cleaners are background-checked, drug tested, and covered by workers’ compensation, bond, and liability insurance.
✓ Over 25 years of experience in the commercial cleaning and janitorial cleaning industry
✓ Thoroughly trained and vetted cleaning professionals
✓ Commitment to the highest standard of clean
✓ Licensed, insured, and bonded
✓ 24/7 cleaning options and support
✓ Customized cleaning plans
✓ Recurring cleaning options and janitorial services
✓ Electrostatic spray disinfection service
✓ 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
✓ OSHA, HIPAA, EPA, CDC, and AORN compliant
✓ A+ BBB-rating
Call us at (253) 921-2593 to speak with a customer care representative about our cleaning services and request a free quote. Our service area includes:
Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bonney Lake, Bremerton, Factoria, Fife, Gig Harbor, Kent, Lakewood, Olympia, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Thurston County.
5013 Pacific Hwy E unit 16 Fife, WA 98424 • Phone: 253.921.2593 • Email: Caleb @ thecleanstart.com


