Green Cleaning: Green Cleaning in Facilities

For some time now, people in facility management have been involved in a movement to move away from using conventional cleaning chemicals.

In the commercial environment, in particular, there’s concern over the ill effects these products could have on employees, other building occupants, and the environment.

Many of the chemicals used to clean and sanitize facilities contain volatile organic compounds, which affect indoor air quality. And exposure to such chemicals is “associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation, or other human health issues,” according to the EPA.

Additionally, some commercial cleaning products are deemed hazardous, which creates issues when users are handling, storing or disposing of the chemicals.

Green cleaning programs within facility management strive to move away from using harmful chemicals, and move toward using products that are safer for building occupants and the environment.

Such programs can be implemented in schools, retail businesses, office buildings, and just about anywhere. Even in hospitals where chemicals are used to combat germs and sanitize surfaces, there has been a shift to finding greener cleaning methods that are just as effective at sanitizing.

Chemical cleaners are not necessarily the best options for hospitals as they can sometimes worsen health problems, particularly in the most vulnerable patients, which includes infants and the elderly, according to Mother Nature Network.

But implementing a green cleaning program, is not as simple as just selecting green products.

“A better understanding of the big picture has reinforced for me that green cleaning is a process and a journey, and not just a collection of products. It’s about people and how they go about their work – which includes the use of chemicals – but just as important, also includes supervision and training,” notes Steve Ashkin, president of the green cleaning consultation company Ashkin Group.

“It’s also about management getting people to do the right thing – not just cleaners but building owners, occupants, vendors and suppliers as well. Everyone needs to be involved in a green cleaning program for it to be truly successful in an organization,” he says.

Green products should have a seal of approval from an independent organization such as Green Seal. And as part of a successful green cleaning program, the right chemicals should be used in the proper quantities and recommended cleaning procedures should be followed.

Employees must be properly trained, and building occupants should understand what a green cleaning plan is and how it affects them.

Goodway offers a full line of “green” products for commercial use in facilities.

Our vapor steam cleaners use water alone – not harsh chemicals – to blast away dirt, grease and grime. The 290-degree steam sanitizies surfaces, killing microorganisms, mold, mildew and bacteria.

We also offer nontoxic chemical products, such as our CoilShine Coiling Cleaning Solution. CoilShine is non-toxic, allowing for safe handling. And it’s biodegradable so it can be safely washed down drains.

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