In addition to cleaning procedures, the selection and use of cleaning products are important in a green maintenance program. General guidelines for purchasing decisions include:
pH
Prefer cleaners that have a neutral pH (closer to 7) compared to those with extreme pH (closer to 1 or 14).
Biodegradability
Prefer cleaners that are readily biodegradable (check for green certification or recognition) compared to those that are slower to degrade. Unfortunately, many older formulations use excellent performing ingredients that have been found to have serious environmental and health concerns.
Dyes and fragrances
Prefer those with no or low levels of dyes and fragrances compared to those products that are heavily dyed or fragranced (check for green certification or recognition). If dyes are necessary, use those that are approved for foods and cosmetics (F&C).
VOCs
Prefer those that have no or low VOCs. These requirements will vary depending on the product type, usage, actual outgassing rates, and other factors (consult recognised green guidelines in Appendix B) compared to those with higher levels.
Bio-Based/Renewable Resources
Prefer products that use materials derived from renewable resources compared to those from non-renewable resources (check for green certification or recognition).
Flashpoint
Prefer products that have a high flashpoint compared to those with a low flashpoint (see the product’s MSDS).
HMIS (Hazardous Materials Identification System) rating
Look for a product with a zero hazard rating (see Appendix B).
The final component in selecting products is consideration of the supplier. The supplier plays an important role as part of the green cleaning and maintenance team and may be intimately involved in training. Therefore, consideration should be given to suppliers’ ability to train cleaning personnel and their expertise 28 Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual with green janitorial products and cleaning, in addition to price, reputation, and other traditional considerations.
Further information about Cleaning:
- What is Cleaning?
- Cleaning Procedure
- How to improve cleaning?
- How to train your cleaning employees?
- How to guide cleaning staff?
- How to keep and maintain communication with cleaners?
- About entryways and lobbies cleaning?
- How is dust cleaned?
- How to mop dust
- Floor care and maintenance
- How to maintain hard floor?
- Floor stripping and removal
- Buffing and burnishing techniques
- Carpet maintenance and care
- Carpet extraction and cleaning
- How to Cleaning Data Centre and Server Room?
- How to Clean Computer and Keyboard?
- How to clean your restroom
- What is disinfection?
- How to reduce solid waste?
- Pets cleaning management
- How indoor plans help in cleaning the environment?
- What are the special needs for cleaning?
- Information about cleaning products
- What are concentrated cleaning products?
- What do all-purpose cleaners mean?
- Facts about restroom cleaners
- How to disinfect your restroom?
- Facts about carpet cleaners
- What is chrome cleaner and polisher?
- What is dust treatment?
- Facts about floor finish
- Floor strippers meaning
- Information about Furniture polishes
- General degreasers
- Information on general degreasers
- General disinfectants and cleanings
- Glass cleaners
- Graffiti removers
- Gum removers
- Lime and scale removers
- What is a sanitiser?
- Solvent spot removers absorbents
- Urinal deodorisers
- Wood and stone floor coatings
- Disposable paper and plastic bags
- Selection and use of janitorial equipment
- How to clean a dry floor?