10 Best Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Products

According to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit that promotes green cleaning products, 53% of cleaners contain ingredients known to harm the lungs.

That means there’s a fifty percent chance that if your business is not using eco-friendly commercial cleaning products, you’re exposing your staff and your customers to potentially hazardous chemicals.

Let that number sink in. Fifty percent. One out of two. Those aren’t good odds when health is on the line.

The temptation to use traditional cleaning products is understandable. After all, we’ve been using the same brands for many years, and there are probably only a few customers who object to the traditional products, though that number is growing. And it’s no secret that traditional products are often cheaper, though that, too, is changing. But again, you can’t put a price on health and peace of mind.

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Common toxins, common health problems

Most people know that it’s highly dangerous to mix ammonia with bleach. What many don’t know is that ammonia is also a potent irritant that can cause or exacerbate breathing problems, such as asthma. Yet, ammonia is a base ingredient in many of the traditional cleaning solutions available because it evaporates quickly. That’s a big risk to take for a streak-free shine.

Chlorine is another potentially harmful chemical used in many cleaning supplies. “But,” you might argue, “there’s chlorine in swimming pools and many water supplies.” That’s true, but the chlorine in water supplies is in small concentrations. And if you think the chlorine in your swimming pool doesn’t irritate you, remember what it feels like an hour after you’ve opened your eyes underwater. Eight or more hours of inhaling the vapor of that same chemical is not doing your respiratory system, or that of your clients, any favors.

Environmental concerns

The environment is also at risk from the use of traditional cleaners. Most of them use petroleum, which is a nonrenewable natural resource. That means if we continue to use it at the current rates, we’ll eventually run out.

When the toxic chemicals used in cleaning supplies are disposed of, they flow directly back into the environment, potentially contaminating water and natural habitats. Some of the possible results include clogged waterways, depleted oxygen supplies, and massive losses of life for creatures that live underwater.

Traditional products also contain “Volatile Organic Compounds,” (VOCs) which are classified by the EPA as the worst environmental hazards in household cleaners. The same organization says VOCs contribute to smog and other air pollution, which in turn, creates health problems.

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The eco-friendly movement

Because of all of the health and environmental risks posed by traditional cleaners, many businesses are switching to eco-friendly cleaning products. Besides being a compassionate thing to do, it also increases employee productivity by cutting down on the number of sick days taken by staff who are affected by toxic solutions.

So, which environmentally friendly commercial cleaning products are right for your business? We’ve compiled an affordable list to get you started.

1. SafeChoice Super Clean (all-purpose)
2. Greenmaker Glass and Window Concentrate
3. Osmo Wash and Care (floor)
4. Elements Bathroom Cleaner
5. Moldex (mold inhibitor)
6. Simple Green Disinfectant/Sanitizer
7. Earth Friendly Products Furniture Polish
8. EnviroCare Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
9. Odoban Earth Choice Toilet Bowl Cleaner
10. Green Works Non-Chlorine Bleach

Whichever products you choose, rest assured that you’ll not only be doing the environment a favor, but you’ll also have healthy, happy customers and staff.