Green cleaning is no longer a fringe trend- it’s a mainstream expectation, especially for organizations focused on sustainability, ESG goals (environmental, social, and governance), employee wellness and productivity, client & tenant satisfaction, and compliance with state or industry specific regulations. One of the easiest and quickest places to start your businesses sustainability journey is through your cleaning program.
In 2025, your facility service provider should be able to supply you with a full-line of eco-conscious, yet high-performing solutions for your facility maintenance. If they don’t or can’t, it may be time to look for a new provider! Whether you’re an office, HOA, school, retail store, government agency, or manufacturing facility, your business and employees can benefit from green cleaning solutions.
What Even Is Green Cleaning?
Green cleaning refers to using products and practices that are safer for human health and the environment. That means reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, minimizing waste, improving indoor air quality, and promoting sustainability across the entire cleaning process- from the products used to the equipment operated and even the packaging.
What to look for:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning agents
- Reduced chemical usage
- Sustainable packaging
- Equipment that conserves water and energy
- Practices that improve indoor air quality
The concept of green cleaning began to emerge in the 1960s and 1970s, when growing environmental awareness and workplace health concerns started challenging the widespread use of harsh chemical cleaners. In 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated, fueling a movement focused on reducing pollution and protecting ecosystems. Around the same time, studies started showing that traditional cleaning products contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and environmental harm. This led to early demand for alternative cleaning methods, but at first, options were limited and often ineffective.
By the 1990s and early 2000s, green cleaning gained serious traction, especially in commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools, where occupants were more vulnerable to indoor pollutants. This era saw the introduction of third-party certification programs that made it easier for businesses to identify safe, sustainable cleaning solutions:
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products To Look For
Through partnerships with professional janitorial supply distributors like WAXIE (BradyPLUS), your janitorial service provider can source Green Seal®, EcoLogo, and EPA Safer Choice certified products that meet rigorous environmental standards. What does that mean?
- Low-VOC disinfectants that reduce harmful fumes
- Concentrated cleaning chemicals that cut down on plastic waste
- High-efficiency hand soaps and dispensing systems that minimize product waste and reduce water consumption
- Paper products with FSC-certified materials (The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies forests to ensure their environments are responsibly managed and meet the highest environmental and social standards)
- Microfiber cloths and mops (more effective than traditional rags since they require less water, little to no chemicals, traps dust- reducing airborne particles, and holds up through hundreds of uses)
These upgrades aren’t just better for the environment, they’re also safer for your staff, tenants, and visitors.
Cleaning Equipment Designed for Sustainability
Green cleaning goes beyond what’s in your cleaners spray bottle. There is also an array of eco-conscious janitorial equipment designed to minimize waste and energy usage. Yes, really! So, what does that look like?
- HEPA-filter vacuums to improve indoor air quality
- Auto-scrubbers that use less water and chemical per clean
- Touch-free dispensing systems that reduce product waste
- Non-aerosol air fresheners
But Why Does It Matter for My Business?
Whether you’re preparing for green building audits or simply trying to make better eco-friendly janitorial choices, a green cleaning plan is a smart, future-focused move. Upgrading to eco-friendly cleaning practices can help your business:
- Meet LEED or WELL certification requirements
- Improve indoor air quality and employee wellbeing
- Support corporate sustainability goals
- Demonstrate social responsibility to clients and stakeholders
Not sure where to start? Contact your commercial facility maintenance provider to see how you can implement these eco-friendly janitorial practices at your building!
