Cleaning is an integral part of our everyday lives. When completed regularly, it can significantly benefit a business. Although daily cleaning is advantageous for offices and commercial spaces, chemical cleaning products can cause more harm than good. Researching product ingredients and understanding where they come from and how they are made before selecting a commercial cleaning company or purchasing commercial cleaning products is beneficial.
Common Ingredients That Should Be Avoided:
- Ammonia
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- Sulphates
- Chlorine
- Butoxyethanol
- Nonylphenol Ethoxylates
- Triclosan
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Increased Illness
Toxic ingredients in cleaners affect the central nervous system, harm office pets, cause allergies and asthma flare-ups, and negatively impact the reproductive system. Exposure to cleaning products occurs through the skin or by being inhaled and significantly affects workplace health and safety standards. Side effects do not always show up immediately and can be minimal to extreme depending on the length of time and the amount of exposure. One of the many signs that may suggest that cleaning products could be causing harm to your Vancouver business includes increased illness outside of cold and flu seasons.
Chronic Allergies
Formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, Quaternary Ammonia Compounds, Methylisothiaz Olinone, and Ammonium Hydroxide are the top five ingredients found in cleaning products that trigger allergies. Exposure to these ingredients causes watery eyes, a runny nose, frequent sneezing and coughing, skin irritations, headaches, breathing issues, and respiratory illness/disease. Proper ventilation and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are recommended when chemical cleaning products are necessary.
Deterioration & Wear & Tear
Cleaning products feature ingredients that break down, discolour, and degrade surfaces over an extended period, which can cause surfaces to appear worn out and outdated. Office upholstery and floors are sensitive to chemicals. Referring to manufacturer instructions/usage and spot testing is vital for preventing irreversible, permanent damage.
Harmful for the Environment
Chemicals present in cleaning products are found in waterways, air, food, dust, and soil. They affect animal and human health, water and air quality and are a major contributor to ozone depletion and climate change. Cleaning products access waterways through the sinks, showers, toilets, and the central drainage system leading to increased animal extinction, water poisoning, and disease.
Toxic for Office Pets
Office pets enjoy licking floors and other surfaces. Cleaning with chemicals increases the chance of ingesting unknown substances that could cause serious harm. Chlorine, bleach, and fragrance-infused cleaners are common ingredients that are the most poisonous for office pets and often lead to respiratory disease, dermatitis, hormone disruption, vomiting, diarrhea, and other long and short-term effects. Cleaning products should be stored safely away from office pets to prevent poisoning.
Why Choose Clean Green Solutions?
Create a safer, healthier office with Clean Green Solutions! Their cleaners use green cleaning products and practices to maintain their clients’ offices daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly. They clean pet-friendly offices across downtown Vancouver and have green cleaning solutions for commercial floors, public bathrooms, office kitchens, glass partition walls, and other high-touch surfaces. Contact Clean Green Solutions now to request a free quote!