The Benefits of Green Cleaning in Commercial Spaces

Green cleaning, also known as eco-friendly commercial cleaning, is the use of cleaning products and methods that are safe for human health and the environment. Eco-friendly products are typically made from plant-based ingredients and biodegradable, meaning they break down quickly in the environment. Green cleaning methods also focus on using less water and energy, and reducing waste. More Adelaide businesses are asking their cleaning contractors for it, and it rarely costs more.

There Are a Number of Benefits to Green Cleaning For Commercial Businesses, Including:

• Improved indoor air quality: Green products are less likely to emit harmful fumes than traditional cleaning products. This can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems for employees and customers.

• Reduced environmental impact: Green cleaning products are less harmful to the environment than traditional cleaning products. They are also more likely to be biodegradable, meaning they break down quickly in the environment.

• Cost savings: Green cleaning products can help to save businesses money on water and energy costs. They can also help to reduce waste disposal costs.

• Improved employee morale: Employees are more likely to be happy and productive when they are working in a clean and healthy environment. Green cleaning can help to create a cleaner and healthier workplace, which can lead to improved employee morale and productivity.

• Enhanced customer satisfaction: Customers are more likely to be satisfied with a business that has a clean and healthy appearance. Green cleaning can help to enhance customer satisfaction and attract new customers.

Here are some tips for green cleaning in a commercial setting:

• Use green cleaning products. There are a number of green cleaning products available on the market. When choosing green cleaning products, look for products that are certified by a third-party organisation, such as Green Seal or EcoLogo.

• Use microfiber cloths. Microfiber cloths are more effective at removing dirt and germs than traditional cloths, and they can be reused multiple times.

• Clean from top to bottom. This helps to prevent dirt and germs from falling onto surfaces that have already been cleaned.

• Pay attention to details. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including under desks, behind appliances, and in other hard-to-reach areas.

• Use disinfectants on high-traffic areas. This helps to kill germs and bacteria that can cause illness.

• Clean and disinfect equipment regularly. This includes computers, phones, and other devices that are used by employees.

• Encourage employees to report spills and messes immediately. This helps to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading.

Here are some additional tips for green cleaning in a commercial setting:

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This will help to remove allergens and other pollutants from the air.

• Use steam cleaning equipment. Steam cleaning is a very effective way to clean without the use of chemicals.

• Use recycled materials. Use recycled paper towels, cleaning cloths, and other materials whenever possible.

• Reduce waste. Reduce waste by recycling and composting whenever possible.

• Educate employees. Educate employees on the importance of green cleaning and how to properly use eco-friendly products and methods.

By following these tips, businesses can implement a green cleaning programme that is good for the environment and good for their bottom line.

Eco-Friendly Pressure Cleaning Practices

Pressure cleaning is one of the thirstier jobs in commercial cleaning, and the run-off ends up in stormwater drains that lead to creeks and the coast. These practices cut water use and keep pollutants out of the drains.

• Use the lowest pressure that works. A wider nozzle at lower pressure uses less water, puts less mist in the air and is far less likely to damage the surface.
• Choose a biodegradable detergent. Plant-based, phosphate-free products break down quickly. Dose to the label; more product does not clean faster.
• Control overspray. Keep the nozzle on the surface, move it steadily, and shield garden beds and trees.
• Manage the run-off. Sweep up solids first so they are not washed into the drain. On commercial sites, block or bund stormwater pits and use a wet vacuum or reclaim system to collect the water for proper disposal. Discharging contaminated wash water to stormwater is an offence in South Australia.
• Look after the machine. Clean filters and service the unit to the manufacturer's schedule. A well-maintained machine uses less fuel and water for the same result.
• Pick the conditions. Cool, overcast days and shaded surfaces mean less evaporation and less water wasted.
• Clean less often but on time. A scheduled clean before grime sets uses less water and chemical than a rescue job.

Surface-specific tips

• Concrete: keep a consistent distance and overlap passes so the surface is not etched or striped.
• Timber decking: low pressure, with the grain, and let it dry fully before any coating.
• Metal: low pressure, no direct hits on coatings or seams.
• Painted render and cladding: soft wash with a cleaning solution and a low-pressure rinse rather than high pressure.