Green Cleaning - 5 Things Businesses Should Know During The COVID-19 Pandemic

As a result of the pandemic, CEOs and other high-ranking executives are being drawn into technical and specialized discussions about a topic that many had never considered before: cleaning.

However, some firms ignore their cleaning methods. Many traditional cleaning solutions include chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Companies and consumers should be more worried about what is actually in the products as they begin to clean things many times each day.

This is why an increasing number of firms are adopting green cleaning into their operations. If you're seeking more methods to be green, take a look at your cleaning habits.

Here are five things QueenBee believes you should know about green cleaning during a pandemic to ensure the safety and health of your premises and staff.

What Exactly Is "Green Cleaning"?

Cleaning methods and processes meant to protect human health and the environment are referred to as green cleaning. Typically, this entails the use of items that contain eco-friendly components. The majority of green items are also biodegradable and created in an ecologically responsible manner.

On the box of most green cleaning products is a mark indicating that the firm has satisfied specific environmental and labor requirements. It's crucial to realize, though, that some businesses may get this badge simply by giving it to ecological organizations or using recycled packaging, even if their products contain hazardous chemicals. To verify that a product is ecologically friendly, you should always examine the ingredients list. Phosphates, chlorine, artificial scents, and artificial colors should all be avoided.

Green cleaning products provide a more natural scent and clean your facility just as effectively as traditional cleaning materials.

The Risks Of Commercial Cleaners

Harmful chemicals including perchloroethylene, ammonia, chloride, and others are found in commercial soaps, floor cleaners, and bleaches, all of which have been linked to significant diseases. These substances have the potential to cause substantial harm to people who enter your office or work area. For example, chemical cleaners may cause everything from itchy skin and minor irritation to respiratory difficulties and other significant health concerns.

5 Things You Should Know About Green Cleaning During Pandemic

1. Check List N for information on green products for COVID-19 eradication

You will become lost in the maze of cleaning product promotion, and it will be challenging to determine what you require. However, there is a method to cut through the marketing noise and identify what will work against the virus while still being a more environmentally friendly option. List No. N: The US Environmental Protection Agency's Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) document specifies 478 items (as of press time) that act against the virus. Although not all have been explicitly tested against the virus, they can eliminate viruses regarded as more complicated than the COVID-19 infection and therefore qualify.

2. Not all technologies are created equal, and not all are risk-free

Foggers and electrostatic sprayers are two new technologies that have emerged in discussions about cleansing surfaces of the COVID-19 virus. While they are frequently discussed together, experts say electrostatic sprayers provide a possibility for more sustainable and effective cleaning. In contrast, foggers are believed to be harmful and are not advised by the CDC.

Electrostatic sprayers disperse particles in chemical cleaners, allowing them to coat desks, furniture, and other surfaces with less solution than conventional cleaning methods.

While electrostatic cleaners target a small area of furniture and surfaces and are cleaned up after a while, foggers perform the reverse by blasting a concentrated cleaner throughout a whole room. They disperse the disinfectant, which is a chemical compound, indiscriminately. The residue can stick to papers, water bottles, chairs, and other surfaces for days, weeks, or even months.

Asthma flare-ups and other health problems have been connected to foggers. Some are required for cleaning significant places rapidly, such as mass transit, but experts say they aren't appropriate for an office setting.

3. Cleaning will be more successful and efficient if you use a precise method

Businesses should have a cleaning strategy in place to avoid overcleaning or cleaning for the sake of cleaning.

Focus on high-touch locations like light switches, doorknobs, and elevator buttons, according to Ashkin. In addition, there is a requirement for education: Cleaning offices will have to change their work patterns because spraying and wiping off a cleaned surface will not eradicate the virus. To destroy the virus, products must be wet saturated for 30 seconds to 10 minutes. List N specifies how much time is required for each product.

4. Not everything that was killed by disinfectants is harmful

We are destroying more than just the coronavirus with hyper-disinfection. Many bacteria and microorganisms that are beneficial to the environment and human health are killed by disinfectants. Just as a doctor may prescribe a probiotic or advise someone to consume yogurt while taking antibiotics, it is critical to reintroduce beneficial bacteria back into homes and offices gradually. Probiotic cleansers, such as Veo and Counter Culture Clean, employ probiotics to keep cleaning long after the sponge and mop have been put away, according to Heikaus.

5. Third parties can assist in validating cleaning processes

Cleaning to this degree and importance is a new frontier for many businesses. However, there are companies ready to assist in navigating the busy and complex environment. Third-party organizations and standards can assist in validating a method and ensuring that it is safe, sustainable, and effective.

Conclusion

Companies must undertake measures to help decrease their carbon footprint and save our environment while simultaneously paying attention to the company's health in the event of a pandemic. Green cleaning solutions that are simple yet highly efficient can lower overall costs and maintain workers' lives. Even better, these procedures are simple to apply and do not require a significant initial investment. Take these simple actions today to get on board with the green cleaning movement.

QueenBee Cleaning Pty LTD

• 42A Bougainville St Forrest ACT 2603
• 3/5 Daphne close Kingswood NSW 2747

• Hotline: 1800 1 CLEAN (25326)
• Email: info@queenbeecleaning.com.au