Sustainability is becoming a core part of many corporate strategies, with businesses across all industries recognising the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
But the increased focus on sustainability is not only driven by ethical considerations - there are also tangible business benefits.
It’s been found that adopting eco-friendly practices can enhance your company's reputation, improve your competitiveness, and even reduce your ongoing costs in the long term.
With this in mind, many businesses have been quick to implement eco-friendly practices in areas such as energy usage, supply chain management, and waste reduction.
Yet an area that is often overlooked in the push towards sustainability is office cleaning.
Embracing green cleaning and exclusively using eco-friendly cleaning products to maintain your office can reduce the impact of toxic chemicals on both the environment and employee health.
By choosing the right cleaning products, you’re able to improve air quality for employees, protect local ecosystems, and contribute to a cleaner planet.
Why choose eco-friendly cleaning products?
Choosing eco-friendly products for your office cleaning is one of the easiest, yet most impactful changes your business can make if you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint.
Traditional cleaning products often contain toxic chemicals that contribute to water pollution or air pollution. When these chemicals are washed down drains or evaporate, they can cause long-term damage to ecosystems.
Eco-friendly cleaning products are specifically designed with sustainability in mind - using ingredients that are biodegradable and non-toxic, which means they break down naturally without causing harm to the environment.
Most green cleaning products also use recyclable materials in their packaging, which can further reduce the environmental impact by limiting the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
In addition to the environmental benefits, natural cleaning products are also better for your employee health.
Traditional chemical cleaning products often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can linger in the air and can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and skin irritation - especially for employees with asthma or allergies.
Non-toxic cleaning products are free from harsh chemicals and irritants, so making the switch to green cleaning products can make the workplace safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Using sustainable cleaning products can also align with your corporate sustainability goals.
As sustainability becomes increasingly important to customers, clients, and employees, adopting green practices in all areas of your business can communicate that your business is committed to making positive contributions to the environment.
But a quick word of warning - as green cleaning becomes a growing trend in the cleaning industry, it’s worth bearing in mind that not all products live up to their eco-friendly claims.
In the following sections, we’re going to look at three of the best eco-friendly cleaning products that are truly green and are suitable for use in offices and commercial cleaning. And if you want to find out more about how to identify truly sustainable products, take a look at our guide.
1. Probiotic office cleaning products
Probiotic cleaning products are a relatively new and innovative solution in the cleaning industry.
They work by using 'good bacteria' to clean surfaces in a way that is both eco-friendly and effective. Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean and sanitise, probiotic products introduce beneficial bacteria that help to naturally break down dirt, and grime, and kill harmful bacteria.
The good bacteria outcompete and eliminate harmful microorganisms on surfaces, creating a safer and more hygienic environment without the need for traditional chemical-based disinfectants.
One of the main advantages of probiotic cleaners is their non-toxic nature, which makes them safe for regular use in indoor office spaces. Probiotic cleaning products can also reduce chemical pollution, as there’s no need to worry about harmful substances entering the water system or being released into the air.
However, despite all the benefits - probiotic cleaners may not be suitable for all cleaning tasks. While they excel at maintaining surface hygiene by keeping harmful bacteria in check, they may not be as effective for sanitising surfaces that require deeper cleaning or disinfection.
2. Synbiotic office cleaning products
Synbiotic cleaning products combine probiotics with prebiotics, which act as food for beneficial bacteria.
Prebiotics provide the fuel that probiotics need to thrive and multiply, allowing them to continue breaking down harmful bacteria for a longer period of time.
This dual approach significantly enhances the cleaning power, ensuring that surfaces not only get cleaned but also stay clean and sanitised for longer periods.
This makes synbiotic products particularly useful in high-traffic office areas like meeting rooms, reception areas, and break rooms, where you get a high number of people and dirt and germs can accumulate quickly.
The long-lasting cleaning effect of synbiotics can also reduce the need for frequent cleaning, which can also help your business save on both the cost of cleaning products and business time
Similar to probiotic products, synbiotic cleaners are free from harmful chemicals, which makes them safer for both the environment and the health and wellbeing of office employees.
3. Aqueous ozone for commercial cleaning
Aqueous ozone is another exciting and innovative green cleaning product that is ideal for your office cleaning.
It works by infusing water with ozone (O₃), a molecule made of three oxygen atoms. This process creates a powerful, natural cleaner that effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens while remaining safe for humans when dissolved in water.
Because it doesn't rely on harsh chemicals, aqueous ozone is an excellent choice for businesses needing a strong sanitiser.
After cleaning, the ozone breaks down into oxygen and water, leaving no harmful residues or pollutants - making it one of the most environmentally friendly solutions for commercial cleaning.
Understanding the EU Ecolabel for commercial cleaning products
With the number of green cleaning products on the market continually increasing, it can be hard to determine which truly meets environmental standards.
Many products claim to be eco-friendly, but not all live up to their promises. This is where the EU Ecolabel can be helpful.
The EU Ecolabel certifies products that meet a strict set of environmental criteria, making it easy to choose products that are genuinely sustainable.
To be awarded the EU Ecolabel, products must pass rigorous testing that evaluates their use of safe ingredients, the biodegradability of these ingredients, and how environmentally friendly their packaging is.
So if you make sure you choose green cleaning products that carry the EU Ecolabel, you can have the peace of mind that the products have been independently verified, and are genuinely sustainable.
The role of your commercial cleaning partner in sourcing natural cleaning products
If you’re still confused about which eco-friendly products are best for your business, consider getting advice from your commercial cleaning company.
A cleaning partner that specialises in sustainable cleaning can guide you through the process of selecting the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your office, as well as provide training to ensure these products are used correctly.
Some cleaning companies might even be able to acquire products for you as part of their ongoing contract. Remember it’s in their best interests for your office to be maintained and cleaned in between their scheduled visits.
But to be able to provide valuable advice and support on natural cleaning products- you first need to have the right cleaning company.
Take a look at our guide on how to find the right green cleaner in London, to make sure you’re making an informed decision about who to partner with for your office cleaning services.
Ready to make the switch to eco-friendly office cleaning products?
Making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products is one of the most effective steps your business can take toward sustainability.
Green cleaning products not only protect the environment but also promote a healthier, safer workspace for your employees.
By choosing sustainable cleaning products, your business can reduce its environmental footprint, improve employee well-being, and build a stronger reputation as an eco-conscious leader.
If you're ready to embrace green cleaning and make the switch to natural, non-toxic cleaning products, contact Green FM today.