5 Green Cleaning Products That Actually Work: A Facilities Manager's Guide

As a facilities manager, building owner, or anyone responsible for maintaining a commercial space, you're under constant pressure to balance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the health and well-being of your building's occupants. In recent years, "going green" has become increasingly important, and that includes your cleaning practices. The real sticking point for many of us is this: do green cleaning products actually work? Can they effectively tackle the grime and dirt in our commercial spaces without compromising our environmental goals?

When you’re working in places like busy offices, schools, or retail spaces, you can’t afford to guess whether something might work. You need stuff that just gets the job done. These five? They’re the ones I keep in rotation because they do both—clean effectively and meet legit sustainability standards.

But first.

What Makes a Cleaning Product "Green"? The Certifications to Look For

Before we dive into specific products, it's crucial to understand what "green" actually means in the cleaning industry. It's not just a marketing buzzword. Reputable green cleaning products undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure they meet specific environmental and health criteria. Look for these certifications:

• Green Seal: One of the most widely recognized and respected certifications for cleaning products. Green Seal standards address a wide range of environmental and health impacts, including biodegradability, reduced toxicity, and packaging.

• EcoLogo (UL): Another prominent certification, similar to Green Seal, that considers the entire lifecycle of a product, from manufacturing to disposal.

• EPA Safer Choice: This program identifies products with safer chemical ingredients that are less harmful to human health and the environment. While it focuses primarily on chemical safety, it's a valuable indicator.

  
  

5 Green Cleaning Products That Deliver the Goods

Here are 5 green cleaning products, with detailed descriptions and why we recommend them, that you can confidently use in your commercial facility:

1. All-Purpose Cleaners: These are your workhorses for general cleaning tasks on various surfaces.

   
   

   • Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner

     • Why It Works: Simple Green’s All-Purpose Cleaner is renowned for its versatility and effectiveness. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for use on various surfaces, including floors, walls, and countertops.

     • Key Features:

       • Non-abrasive formula

       • Free from harsh chemicals

       • Pleasant, natural scent

     • Ideal For: Daily cleaning tasks in offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.

     • Why We Like It: We appreciate its powerful cleaning action without the harsh chemical fumes that can be a concern in enclosed commercial spaces. Its versatility simplifies inventory management.

       
       

2. Multi-Purpose Cleaners: For facilities aiming for LEED certification and prioritizing indoor air quality.

   
   

   • Eco-Max Multi-Purpose Cleaner

     • Why It Works: Eco-Max offers plant-based cleaning solutions that are both powerful and gentle. Their Multi-Purpose Cleaner is effective against dirt and grime while being safe for users and the environment.

     • Key Features:

       • Certified by EcoLogo

       • Naturally scented with essential oils

       • Suitable for various surfaces

     • Ideal For: Facilities aiming for LEED certification or those prioritizing indoor air quality.

     • Why We Like It: The EcoLogo certification provides strong third-party assurance of its environmental responsibility, and the natural essential oil scents are a welcome alternative to synthetic fragrances.

       
       

3. Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaners: Essential for killing bacteria and viruses, especially in food service areas.

   
   

   • Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner

     • Why It Works: This disinfectant uses thymol, a component of thyme oil, to kill 99.99% of germs, including influenza and E. coli, without the use of synthetic fragrances or chlorine.

     • Key Features:

       • EPA registered

       • No rinse required, even on food contact surfaces

       • Botanical disinfectant formula

     • Ideal For: Restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service areas.

     • Why We Like It: Its botanical disinfecting power is impressive, and the fact that it's safe for food contact surfaces without rinsing is a significant advantage for food service environments.

       
       

4. Glass and Surface Cleaners: For maintaining the clarity of windows and glass partitions.

   
   

   • Method Glass + Surface Cleaner

     • Why It Works: Method’s Glass + Surface Cleaner provides a streak-free shine using naturally derived ingredients. It’s effective on glass, mirrors, and other shiny surfaces.

     • Key Features:

       • Ammonia-free

       • Biodegradable formula

       • Recyclable packaging

     • Ideal For: Maintaining the clarity of windows and glass partitions in commercial buildings.

     • Why We Like It: The streak-free finish is crucial for maintaining a professional appearance, and the commitment to biodegradable formulas and recyclable packaging aligns with sustainability goals.

       
       

5. Toilet Bowl Cleaners: For tackling tough stains without harsh chemicals in restrooms.

   
   

   • Ecos Toilet Bowl Cleaner

     • Why It Works: Ecos offers a toilet bowl cleaner that tackles tough stains without harsh chemicals. Its plant-powered formula is septic-safe and leaves a fresh scent.

     • Key Features:

       • Free from phosphates and dyes

       • Made with sustainable ingredients

       • Safe for plumbing and septic systems

     • Ideal For: Restrooms in offices, schools, and public facilities.

     • Why We Like It: Its effectiveness against tough toilet stains without the corrosive nature of traditional cleaners makes it safer for both users and plumbing systems, especially in older buildings.

   
   

   I've put these in a table for you skimmers!

Category	Product	Key Features	Ideal For	Why We Like It
All-Purpose Cleaner	Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner	Non-toxic, Non-abrasive, Natural scent	Offices, Schools, Healthcare Facilities	Powerful yet gentle, reduces inventory needs
Multi-Purpose Cleaner	Eco-Max Multi-Purpose Cleaner	EcoLogo certified, Essential oils, Surface-safe	LEED-focused facilities, Air quality-conscious buildings	Natural scent, strong third-party certification
Disinfecting Cleaner	Seventh Generation Disinfecting Cleaner	EPA registered, Botanical formula, No rinse needed	Food service areas, Restaurants, Cafeterias	Food-safe, kills 99.99% of germs
Glass & Surface Cleaner	Method Glass + Surface Cleaner	Ammonia-free, Biodegradable, Recyclable packaging	Windows, Glass partitions, Mirrors	Streak-free shine, supports sustainability goals
Toilet Bowl Cleaner	Ecos Toilet Bowl Cleaner	Phosphate-free, Septic-safe, Sustainable ingredients	Restrooms in offices, schools, public buildings	Safe for plumbing, effective on tough stains

Making the Switch: Tips for a Successful Transition

Switching to green cleaning products doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:

• Start Gradually: Don't try to replace everything at once. Begin by switching out your most frequently used products.

• Train Your Cleaning Staff: Ensure your staff is properly trained on the correct use and dilution of green cleaning products.

• Communicate the Benefits: Inform your building occupants about your commitment to green cleaning and the positive impact it has on their health and the environment.

• Monitor Performance: Track the effectiveness of your green cleaning products and make adjustments as needed.

  
  

The Bottom Line: Green Cleaning is a Win-Win

Green cleaning products are no longer a niche market. They've come a long way in terms of performance and affordability. By choosing certified green cleaning products, you can protect the health of your building occupants, minimize your environmental impact, and often even save money in the long run. It's a win-win for your business and the planet.

Ready to make the switch to green cleaning in your facility? Schedule a Free Walkthrough with our team at Jan-Ex Commercial Cleaning. We can assess your current cleaning practices and develop a customized green cleaning plan that meets your specific needs. For immediate commercial cleaning assistance, email me directly at cstanza@jan-ex.com.

Works Cited

• Green Seal. (n.d.). About Green Seal. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• UL. (n.d.). About UL's Environment and Sustainability Division. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Safer Choice Program. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• Simple Green. (n.d.). All-Purpose Cleaner. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• Eco-Max. (n.d.). Multi-Purpose Cleaner. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• Seventh Generation. (n.d.). Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• Method Products. (n.d.). Glass + Surface Cleaner. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• Ecos. (n.d.). Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Retrieved from [invalid URL removed]

• (Include any other relevant scientific studies or articles you find about the effectiveness of the specific green cleaning products mentioned.)