Being Green Cleaning Certified through IJCSA is more than a badge for Brie's Breezy Clean – it’s a promise I’m making to my clients, my family, and myself. I fly to Ireland to help my daughter, who has asthma, and I’ve seen firsthand how harsh chemical smells can tighten her chest or linger in the air around my grandchildren. Green cleaning training helps me choose low-VOC, non-toxic, environmentally friendly products that won’t inflame her asthma or leave harsh residues behind. The more I learn about natural cleaning products like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and microfiber – and how to use them properly – the more confident I feel that I’m protecting the people I love while still delivering a truly deep clean.

As a cleaner working almost daily in the Minneapolis, MN area, my own health matters too. Breathing in strong solvents, bleach, and synthetic fragrances day after day is not just unpleasant – it can be harmful over time. Being Green Cleaning Certified means I’m trained to avoid the worst offenders and reduce exposure to toxic ingredients, VOCs, and harsh petrochemicals. That protects my lungs, my skin, and my long-term energy. I’ve cleaned so many homes now that I can tell, the moment I walk in, if it’s been disinfected with “crazy” harsh products – the smell hits me and it feels like it drains my energy right away. Switching to safer, greener methods lets me work in spaces that feel lighter and healthier, not just “chemically clean.”

There’s also a deep emotional and cultural layer for me. I grew up watching my mom clean in the Dominican Republic, and she didn’t rely on harsh chemical cocktails – she used simple, home-based ingredients and a lot of care. Green cleaning brings me back to that: using products that make sense, that respect the home and the people in it. I want my clients to feel that their house isn’t just “wiped down,” but is a safe sanctuary – a place where kids can play on the floor, pets can curl up on the couch, and everyone can breathe easily without worrying what’s in the spray bottle. A truly clean home should feel calm, joyful, and supportive, not like a place that smells like a chemical factory.

Being Green Cleaning Certified also helps Brie's Breezy Clean stand out in a meaningful way. Clients are increasingly aware of eco-friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic options and many are searching specifically for green cleaning services. Certification shows that I’ve taken the time to study, understand ingredients, and commit to safer practices, not just slap “eco” on my marketing. And thanks to the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory, people who care about their health and the environment can actually find certified green cleaners they can trust. If someone is looking for a service that protects their family, their pets, and the planet, they can visit
https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services
and know they’re choosing from professionals who share those values. For me, that combination – protecting my family, protecting my clients, protecting my own body, and doing my small part for the planet – is exactly why being Green Cleaning Certified matters.