Green Cleaning Myths vs. Facts: Debunking 7 Common Misconceptions
Green cleaning is often looked at as a passing trend or ineffective, as it doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals like bleach to do the job.
However, there are a lot of excellent and effective cleaning materials found in nature that can kill germs, remove grease, and leave surfaces sparkling just as well as any chemical produced in a lab for mass production.
Professional cleaning services in Toronto are changing the way green cleaning looks. In this article, we will debunk the myths surrounding green cleaning.
1. It’s just a fad
Before the invention of chemicals, “green” cleaning was in fact the only way to clean a house or business.
The Romans and Egyptians of the ancient period pioneered the use of citrus fruits due to their grease-fighting properties, rosemary, and lavender for a clean scent. They also used vinegar to remove stubborn stains and kill germs.
When chemicals were developed, these natural products were used as scents to hide the harsh aromas of the chemicals. In the 1960s, green cleaning started to make a comeback as people slowly began to understand the destructive power of these chemicals on human health and the environment.
2. Too costly
Often, when the label “organic” or “natural” is placed on a product, the cost appears to double. While green products may be a little more costly than non-green items, the price difference isn’t as high as you may expect.
If you decide to replace all your cleaning products at once, then the difference will seem astronomical. However, by switching to green items, as your older products run out, the cost difference will be minimal.
You can also use one product to do more work, so you reduce the amount you actually purchase, which saves you money and frees up space in your home or business.
In the long run, these products can save you money as they will last longer while still providing the same exceptional cleanliness, and reduce the likelihood of environmental fines in larger industrial settings.
3. You need special tools
The notion that going green means you need special tools and clothes to handle the products is not true.
By recycling old towels, T-shirts, and other items, you can save money. You do not need to invest in special bamboo-woven microfiber cloths from a designer brand. Also, you do not need special recycled spray bottles infused with cucumber water to smell better when applying products to countertops.
Additionally, you don’t need specialized breathing equipment or PPE to handle the products. Green products are safe to use and still provide the outstanding clean you expect and demand.
4. It’s not as effective
It is simply false that harsh chemicals are needed to remove all types of grime and kill germs. Citrus fruits and vinegar are effective at dissolving grease and grime and even killing certain germs in the process.
Commercial green products today rely heavily on the foundation of the natural products used decades ago. The development and technology used in creating greener, effective solutions means that they are now more impactful than the traditional harsh chemicals we used in the past.
5. It is safe for everything
Green products are not necessarily safe for every surface. While the majority of green products are extremely safe for any situation, some can be irritants. Therefore, reading the label first is always recommended.
Some products can scratch certain surfaces, such as granite or marble countertops. Others can irritate the eyes or your mouth (if swallowed).
Green products can also be considered poisonous if they contain borax or ammonia. Thus, some care is always advised when handling and using any cleaning agent, green or otherwise.
6. It takes too long to clean
It’s not true that you will need more time to carry out house cleaning or office cleaning if you use green products.
Where this myth came from is hard to figure out, but cleaning with green products or harsh chemicals takes the same amount of time. Green cleaning can even be quicker in some cases.
This means that you don’t have to worry about cleaning jobs being done as you escort clients into the conference room, or the floors still being cleaned as staff arrive to start their day.
Production doesn’t have to slow down or stop; your work environment will still smell as fresh as a daisy and maintain the required cleaning standards.
7. Water on its own is enough to clean
The notion that going green means we just need water to clean sounds like a great idea, but it’s wrong.
Water, while certainly environmentally friendly, is not enough to clean on its own. It can wash away some surface dirt, but it’s not sufficient to get to the deeper grime, remove grease buildup, or eliminate other stains. It can also leave water marks if not wiped away properly.
However, it is a great carrier that allows you to evenly spread green products and is found as a base ingredient. It helps to ensure the right concentration of the product and allows for easy cleaning.
So, water does have its place in the cleaning process, but only when combined with other elements.
Your Green Cleaning Partner in Toronto
RBC Clean is working hard to ensure that green products are used and that the same exceptional level of cleanness and perfection is delivered every time.
By debunking these myths about effectiveness, time, safety, and more, the environment is protected, your company is hygienic, and your reputation is promoted and not harmed.
Our tailored 5-star professional cleaning services in Toronto—including janitorial, industrial cleaning, and residential cleaning—and our pride, dedication, and prowess to the GTA are unmatched.
Call us at 1-855-493-9259 and speak to one of our friendly, professional, and knowledgeable team members today. Or, visit us online and find out how we can help bring the green to your clean.