Going green to stay clean!

If you are looking for environmentally friendly products we will provide them for you.

Here is our approach for “Going Green“.  Use these tip and tricks when doing it yourself:

Carefully read and understand the label warnings on cleaning products.  Many cleaners that contain known hazardous chemicals carry a warning label that spells out potential risks, along with precautionary steps and first-aid instructions.

Keep in mind that the more serious the safety warning on a product, the more likely that it poses risks to your health and the environment.  Products labeled “Poison” or “Danger” are more toxic than those labeled “Warning” or “Caution.”

“Danger” refers to products that are corrosive, extremely flammable, highly toxic, or poisonous. Commercial toilet-bowl, oven, and drain cleaners often bear this label.

“Caution” or “Warning” are catchall terms for many other hazards, so scan for specifics, such as “Vapor harmful,” “Causes burns,” or “May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed.”

“Irritants” refer to substances that cause injury or inflammation on contact.

“Corrosives” refer to chemicals that destroy tissue.

“Sensitizers” are ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and chronic adverse health effects that become evident only after continuing exposures.

“Chronic Health Hazards” may include effects ranging from sterility and birth defects to cancer.

We don’t suggest to assume that environmental and health claims are true. In many cases, manufacturers can make claims that are neither independently verified nor regulated.  Among the most common claims found on cleaning products are the following:

• Non-toxic. This implies that the product will cause no harm to the consumer or environment. However, there is currently no standard definition for the term “non-toxic“, and unless otherwise specified, there is no organization independently verifying the claim.

• Natural. Though widely found on commercial cleaning products, the term “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean much. There’s no standard definition for this claim in industry, so manufacturers can use it as they please. What’s more, just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s less toxic, or non-irritating. Even cleaners that are safe enough to eat, like lemon juice, can be irritating to the eyes or skin.

• Environmentally friendly. While this label implies that the product or packaging has some kind of environmental benefit or that it causes no harm to the environment, there is currently no standard definition for term “Environmentally Friendly”. Unless otherwise specified, there is also no organization independently verifying this claim.

• Biodegradable. This term is somewhat meaningful, but it can be misleading. This term implies that a product or its packaging will break down in nature in a reasonably short period of time, has been only loosely defined by the federal government.

Check the ingredient list. Since manufacturers are not required to list all the ingredients in their cleaning products, unless they are active disinfectants or known to be potentially hazardous, it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re buying. And bear in mind that unlike food package labels, when a cleaning product’s ingredients are listed, the order doesn’t necessarily represent relative amounts.

Avoid harmful ingredients whenever possible. Certain chemicals found in cleaning products can pose health and/or environmental risks. To minimize these risks and to choose the best cleaners for your household.

Chemicals to watch out for:

• Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) 
• Antibacterials
• Ammonia
• Butyl cellosolve
• d-limonene
• Diethanolamine (DEA) & triethanolamine (TEA
• Disinfectants
• Fragrances
• Hydrochloric acid
• Naptha
• Petroleum-based ingredients
• Phosphates
• Sodium hydroxide (lye
• Sulfuric acid

If you’re concerned about specific ingredients in a product, call the company. The manufacturer’s name and address must be listed on all cleaning products so that consumers can contact them with questions, comments, or problems. While manufacturers are not required to disclose all of their ingredients, unless they’re active disinfectants or known to be potentially hazardous, you can try to request a material safety data sheet (MSDS), which contains information on the more-toxic ingredients or formulations used.

Check out the companies’ website if you are not sure about what the ingredients are in the product.

Play it safe. Whether you’re using commercial or homemade cleaners, it’s important to follow safety precautions. Avoid splashing household cleaners on your skin or in your face and check labels to see if respiratory masks, rubber gloves, goggles, or other protective measures are recommended.

People with heart or lung disease and pregnant women should try to avoid products that contain chemical solvents. And since contact lenses can absorb vapors and hold them against the eye, causing irritation or eye damage, anyone who normally wears contacts should remove them and put on eyeglasses before handling such products. If you find that the cleaners you’re using irritate your nose, eyes and/or lungs, follow your instincts and stop using them. Finally, be sure to clearly label containers of homemade cleaners, and keep all cleaners out of reach of children and pets.

Tips

• Homemade cleaners often cost less. Mixing your own cleaners at home will almost always save you money, since you won’t be paying for the advertising, marketing, and other costs that go into a commercial cleaning product’s price.
• Using fewer cleaners can save money. Whether you buy or make them yourself, try to find one or two cleaners that can effectively clean a variety of surfaces. You’ll not only be able to save money and space, you’ll also cut down on packaging waste.
• Buying larger sizes tends to be cheaper in the long run. Larger sizes are usually, but not always, less expensive, ounce for ounce. Choosing large sizes can also mean buying less often, helping to reduce packaging waste.
• An ounce of prevention… If you can prevent stains from setting in by taking care of them right away, you’ll reduce the need for tough specialty cleaners, which are often relatively expensive, more toxic, and harmful to surfaces. Or better yet, try to prevent stains from happening in the first place.

We hope this helps.  If you are looking for green house cleaning services, contact us on our contact page from the tab above.