Green office cleaning - 10+ things you can do better

Do you know what gets cleaned and disinfected in the offices where you spend so much time? Wondering what to hire a cleaning company to take your eco-friendliness to the next level?

Ecological cleaning methodology

The first good news is that there is already an ecological cleaning methodology. It was developed by the association of the network of environmental consultants STEP, z.s.
This procedure is mainly used for contractors of cleaning services by public institutions, but why not follow it in your company as well?

What does it mean it's cleaned up?

The shine and fragrance create a feeling of cleanliness, but they are not necessary for cleaning in themselves. Cleaning means that

• we remove coarse dust from surfaces and floors - mechanically

• we remove deposits (where water is present) - no need to use harsh chemicals

• we dissolve deposits from the kitchen, but also tables and keyboards - even degreasing can be natural

• Finally, we get rid of microorganisms brought on shoes from the outside, or created by living - with a small amount of disinfection, and even that can be eco

Too much cleaning chemicals can be completely unnecessary. More spring, more powder, more cleaning spray, more concentration of soap on the floor... large doses are not necessary for cleanliness. The water just washes them down the drain.

TIP: Let's not burden water purifiers with substances they cannot remove, nor nature with a high concentration of fragrances.

The main definition of ecological cleaning

On the website of the ecological consultancy, we can find roughly the following 9 points:

• Give preference to gentle cleaning agents and mechanical cleaning. Most dirt can be removed with pressure, warm water and a diluted vinegar solution or an all-purpose cleaner.

• Choose cleaning products without phosphates and without chlorine, choose ecological brands in the nature of degradable preparations.
  
  "We use Winni's vegan hypoallergenic cleaning agent for professional cleaning. Winni's Multiuso contains only surfactants of plant origin and works easily and quickly thanks to the cleaning power of nature. Its composition is hypoallergenic and gentle not only on the skin but also on the environment, it is fully biodegradable."
  
  At the client's request, we also use other means as agreed, and we always try to recommend a natural route.

• Use synthetic disinfectants only where absolutely necessary. Cleaning doesn't have to smell! On the contrary, fragrances are often synthetic and poorly degradable in nature.

• Do not exceed correct dosage, the efficiency of the cleaner does not increase indefinitely and is then unnecessarily flushed into the waste water

• If you can, buy products in a higher concentration - you save on packaging, they last longer

• Limescale can be removed from enamel with vinegar and powder, while a hot solution of baking soda will clean the fittings.

• A microfibre cloth works wonders, mechanically, with just warm water, it cleans the limescale on the fittings, and also playfully attracts the deposits on other surfaces.

• Sinks and toilets can be cleaned with scouring powder. A mixture of vinegar and dishwashing liquid left overnight removes and disinfects urinary scale. There is no need to use a special disinfectant or disinfect after every flush.

So what to do in general for better cleaning? 4 rules:

• As little chemically as possible, as mechanically as possible.

• To use microfiber towels and mops

• Close the pores of materials (regular waxing, impregnation, crystallization, pore filling, etc.) so that it is not necessary to use radical cleaners for routine maintenance

• Accurately dose cleaners that are environmentally friendly and without artificial flavoring ingredients

Is disinfection needed?

A professional cleaning company must have a disinfection plan when cleaning public areas. For example, for healthcare, but also for offices. Disinfection must be alternated regularly, usually 3 different ones are alternated, and is carried out roughly every month.

For extraordinary disinfection, choose ozone disinfection.

For regular cleaning of surfaces, choose ecological disinfection without chlorine.

Waste sorting in companies

It's great that most companies already sort their waste.

Make sure your cleaners put your sorted waste in the correct containers.

You do not need to wash plastic food packaging – just drop them in empty. However, do not throw away food residues in them, and certainly not oils. Because there is a problem with oils in the recycling process. So rinsing actually comes in handy sometimes.

Think about the microtene bags for the bins and choose a supplier of ecological bags.

The last tip at the end – how to save more electricity? It's probably unrealistic in companies, but it's good to know that a kettle is a big energy guzzler, and the more you heat water for tea in other ways, the better for your bill!

RESOURCES:
Definition of ecological cleaning prepared by STEP together with Czech Cleaning and Cleaning Association.