Having asthma and other past health-related issues has forced me to become an avid label reader. And in doing so, I began to notice over time we are exposed to serious substances abnormal to nature and it's causing negative side effects. And not only did those icky substances irritate my breathing, but I began to recognize when I was in the presence of them my reactions were the same: wheezing, coughing, etc. I didn't know what those chemicals were yet, but I was determined to find out and make sure not to purchase them ever, if possible.

BUT, Who exactly are the most common offenders and where will you find these chemicals lurking? This article will outline these as well as some unresolved concerns.

Alarmingly, most of these cleaners/chemicals are the most TOXIC around. And the bulk of these are cleaners hiding in our homes in cabinets and on shelves! With corrosive drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and acidic toilet bowel cleaners, coming in at the top of the list. Followed very closely by bleach, ammonia, and lye. According to one internet article posted at www.organicconsumers.org, in 2000, US Poison Control Centers "reported fielding 206,636 calls due to toxic cleaning product exposure. And of that, 120,434 were children under 6, who can ingest or spill these products." 

Additionally, the author of this article detailed both personal/environmental long and short term effects from exposure to varying degrees of toxicity. As well as, examining the plastics many of these chemical cleaning products are contained in. Other irritants in the form of APE's, fragrances (which incidentally are not disclosed on labels due to trade-secret contracts), phosphates, surfactants, detergents, disinfectants, and other petroleum-based chemicals that linger in the soil and ground-water long afterward. In fact, "in May of 2002, the US Geological Survey tested the contaminants in stream water across the country and found that 69% contained persistent detergent metabolites and 66% contained disinfectants. www.organicconsumers.org"

Look for key words like : CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER...

Where is the advocacy? Overwhelmingly better regulation is needed to keep the public and the environment safer from these toxic, potentially deadly substances. I, we, and our environment deserve better options. Although I believe those outdated chemicals have NO place in today's cleaning regimen, most only "kill" a small percentage of pathogens, any cleaning benefit isn't worth the exposure. Natural or "green" products as they're called are the best alternative to those harmful, counter-productive chemicals. As a side note, ALL products, including green ones should be used, stored, and disposed of in the safest manner.

Coincidentally, most of these eco-friendly cleaning products can also be found in household cabinets. Items like vinegar, baking soda, lemons/juice, to name a few, which can become strong cleaners. Not just for brushing your teeth with or brightening up laundry, although those are great, I mean mold cleaning, sanitizing power! That's just the tip of the ice burg, add in a few other green products and practices and believe it or not, you've got a powerful arsenal of chemical-free-cleaning awesomeness! Always check the surface to be sure any product, green or otherwise, is safe and won't damage it. ALWAYS use best practices when using, storing, and disposing of any product.

Finally, some key things to look for when shopping for "green cleaning" products. Remember "Key words on labels like: Danger, Caution, Poison will help alert you to toxicity--if label ingredients aren't all disclosed, avoid these where possible. Also, look for biodegradable time frames, if listed, for example, breaks down in "...3-5 days." Choose plant-based rather than petroleum based. And where possible seek out the largest size/bulk and go for those with packing made of recycled materials. This helps end-user companies who specialize in those types of recycled materials. Lastly look for concentrated cleaners or those bottled with 20% or less water in them. Ideally, less added water at the factory means less container materials and lower shipping fuel costs." And REFUSE to use any/all of the above listed chemicals, since for every toxic chemical there is an alternative that works as good if not better. Now you have an idea where to find these toxic chemicals and what to look for to avoid them. But, if you'd rather trust green cleaning to the professionals, a good place to start is the business directory at the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association located at: http://www.ijcsa.org/Find-A-Cleaning-Service-Janitorial-Service

References

Taken from internet article located at: https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies. Accessed 2018 July 11.

What is a good commercial cleaning business without carpet cleaning as a provided service?

Providing exceptional service is a must when you want repeat business and want customers to recommend your cleaning company to their friends and family. We at All American Affordable Commercial Cleaners is certified in carpets, chemicals and green cleaning to provide a well rounded carpet cleaning schedule to prolong the life and condition of your commercial carpeting. We remove all dust particles, dirt, allergens, bacteria, grease and impacted stains etc. www.aaacomclean.biz

We help improve the longevity of the carpet and contribute to healthier enviornments because some of the dust and allergens that get trapped in the carpet fibers may find their way into the breathing air- where they can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions and other health problems. Bacteria in the carper can also create odors, making it more difficult to breathe for those battling asthma or allergies. Steam cleaning with high temperatures of water kills off allergens so that they are no longer a health threat and leaves the surface of the carpet fully sanitized.

Green cleaning helps people stay healthy. In this day and age many people are susceptible to the effects of cleaning chemicals and other toxins.  Additionally, many cleaning chemicals have toxic effects on the environment.  Our company implements a green cleaning program to benefit the environment, the health of our workers and our clients. Utilizing green cleaning chemicals help reduce the negative impact from frequent exposure to toxic cleaning chemicals and unsafe equipment. The benefits will be no harm coming from harsh chemicals on the skin and breathing in dangerous lingering chemicals in the air. The use of green cleaning chemicals also greatly reduces waste ensuring that we maintain environmental sustainability.

The green cleaning represent compliance with a rigorous set of criteria , insuring that we are current on safe green practice, training and regulations. Green cleaning programs leverage a trend currently in favor of environmentally friendly practices that have proven to have economics benefits for business owners and their occupants due to overall improved health resulting in less sick days. Completing a green clean requires a strict criteria and must ensure that we abide by the rules and policies.

Find A IJCSA Green Cleaning Company Here

Gowens Good plans on implementing a mold program in our brochure and offer clean up to floods in our service area, I live in Michigan where flooding takes place 3 to 4 times a year. By offering clean up of this harmful substance it will create several opportunities to get our name out there and also be a help to the community at the same time. It is imperative that we learn how to get rid of mold and make ourselves more marketable. 

Find Mold Cleaning Companies Here

There is a difference between good and excellent customer service. Being good will keep you in business but being excellent will excel your business. Exceptional customer service can distinguish a company's brand from the competetion and word of mouth can take over and sky rocket your business, right where you want to be.

Excellent customer service is handling customer concerns without conflict to the companies intentions and making sure customers are happy working with your company to the point that they start talking out loud about YOU.

We at All American Affordable commercial cleaning www.aaacomclean.biz always puts our customers first, just like the members at IJCSA. Customer service is a priority with IJCSA as well as with us. http://www.ijcsa.org/Find-A-Cleaning-Service-Janitorial-Service

Great customer service involves a complexity of things that often gets overlooked, Customer service is about creating a human experience with people rather they are clients or potential clients. At Gowens Good Cleaning we always provide and combine great work ethic, morals, positive work environment and reliability. 

Which makes the IJCSA a great organization, since becoming a member the amount of knowledge at your fingertips is unmatched by any agency, there is a felling of sincerity when speaking with the representatives or technical support team and overall all parties involved feel invested in the greater good.    

Find Other Members Here Who Practice Great Customer Service

Green cleaning generally refers to using products and procedures that are safe for the environment and are designed to preserve human health. Green cleaning is considerably safer than using toxic chemicals to clean and I will waste no time in telling you the benefits!

By utilizing a green cleaning program we are protecting our health and well being. Most conventional products contain very hazardous chemicals which can lead to skin rashes, headaches and can even raise the risk of developing asthma. Green cleaning products contain naturally derived, non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients which reduces our exposure to toxic chemicals and so do not affect our health. 

Another great benefit of green cleaning is a healthier environment. With many cleaning products harmful chemicals are being released into the environment which is usually dangerous to inhale. By utilizing greener methods it aids in reducing pollution to our waterways and the air and it minimizes your impact on ozone depletion and global climate change.

Find A IJCSA Certified Green Cleaning Service Here

We plan on using some form of carpet cleaning at Gowens Good Cleaning Services. Our clients are primarily complexes, that have mass amounts of turn overs. It will be imperative to our growth and development to know the ins and out of proper carpet and floor care. 

There is opportunities in both of these special trades in my area and by learning the main ways to upkeep will contribute to our success. This beginners course will catapult my knowledge and begin a deeper dive into this industry.

 

At Reliable Island Cleaners we have implemented more effective, efficient, healthier and environmentally friendlier cleaning and sanitizing strategies without adding unwanted substances to the environment or otherwise causing harm to guests, employees or staff, simply by using all Eco-Friendly products. 

Through this process we eliminate 99.999% of surface bacteria such as MRSA, VRE, Influenza and more.

Benefits for Green Cleaning are:

1. Cleaner Air
   
2. Healthier Home, Office, Family and Clients, Earth
   
3. Non-Toxic Fumes
   
4. Cheaper
   

We work with businesses to ensure their facilities are cleaned and disinfected to the highest standards. We provide checklist inspections to ensure that our Custodian Consultants are meeting our 5 Star service levels.

We love green cleaning!! Find us & other certified green cleaning services here. 

At D & S Prestige Cleaning L.L.C we are doing our part by establishing a green cleaning program that aids in protecting human health and the environment. Our green cleaning services use environmentally friendly products while working to reduce contaminants that pollute our Earth.

Did you know Green Cleaning promotes :

• A Healthier Environment 
  
• Safer Products
• Better Air Quality 
• Less Expensive 
• Help us stay healthy