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Green Cleaning at Schools

Traditional cleaning products can contain chemicals that are harmful to those who come in contact with them, but green cleaning products can reduce those chances of exposure and provide a healthy way to clean schools or offices. Over the years, green cleaning practices have gotten a reputation for being expensive and ineffective when compared to traditional cleaning techniques. That isn’t always the case anymore, and the transition to green cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult. Professional Management of Alabama is experienced in using green cleaning techniques to keep schools, medical offices, and other public spaces clean without using harmful chemicals

Green Cleaning Methods

The first step in green cleaning is to use green products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) runs programs that help create and label green products. These third party certification programs test cleaning products for chemicals and then certify whether it is “green” or not. The products must meet high standards for human health to be cleared; they cannot cause asthma, cancer or reproductive programs to be labeled green. Each product must also meet a cleaning effectiveness in order to be certified. These cleaners will be marked with “Green Seal” approval.
Not all cleaning methods are appropriate for every situation. Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting do different jobs. Regular cleaning includes all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, neutral cleaners, carpet cleaners, and conventional cleaners. Sanitizers are products that lower the number of germs by 99.99% when cleaning hard surfaces. Disinfectants are chemicals that destroy 99.99% of germs like bacteria and viruses. Regular cleaning normally removes 99% of germs, so it is not necessary to disinfect regularly. Disinfecting is only necessary when bodily fluid is present (vomit, blood, urine, etc.). Only certain areas like food services, child care areas, and nurse’s areas are required to be sanitized and disinfected. By cutting down on unnecessary cleaning with harsh chemicals, you are a step closer to creating a green environment.

Finally, we have experience using green cleaning equipment. Green equipment removes allergens and germs with less harmful chemicals. It also uses less water, making it friendlier to the environment. Common green equipment includes:

  • Floor Burnishers: these shine floors, and those with high-efficiency particulate air filtrations capture dust so it is not floating in the air
  • Steam Cleaning Equipment: using tap water to clean, these remove mold and kill germs
  • Vacuum Cleaners: be sure to use those with high-efficiency particulate air filters
  • Walk-Off Mats: remove dirt and other allergens from shoes, making floors and air cleaner
  • Microfiber (mops and cloths): absorbent, durable, simple to clean, specifically made cloths that require less effort and decrease the chance of injury and   illness

Let Us Help

Professional Management of Alabama has over 30 years of experience in the commercial janitorial business, and we would love to help you create a green environment at your school or office. Call or email us today to set up a free consultation.