On June 5, 2014, the United Nations will celebrate World Environment Day, an annual event held to raise global awareness and encourage positive environmental action. And with Green Seal's recent changes to its certification standards, including the new edition of the GS-53 Standard for Specialty Cleaning Products for Industrial and Institutional Use, now is a perfect time for cleaning professionals to think about implementing a green cleaning program or review green products currently in use.

A well-designed green cleaning program is an easy way to reduce your facility’s impact on the environment that can also promote increased productivity, provide cost savings and improve cleaning efficiency.
 
Many people don’t think of high-occupancy restrooms, which can accumulate a lot of grime, debris and bacteria, as a place where green cleaning can play a role. But with a two-step process designed to use naturally derived products when you can and disinfectants when you must, cleaning professionals in office buildings, hotels, restaurants, schools and other businesses can make restroom cleaning greener.
 
The Clorox Professional Products Company offers cleaning professionals the following tips to promote sustainability and health with a balanced approach to green restroom cleaning:


Green your cleaning routine with naturally derived products when you can: Experts recommend that facilities choose green cleaners that are certified by third-parties such as Green Seal and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE). The Green Seal certification is awarded to products that have less impact on the environment and work well. DfE recognition means that the product uses the safest possible ingredients and performs well.

  • Naturally derived cleaners that are formulated to tackle tough stains will perform well on a variety of restroom surfaces such as countertops, sinks, bathtubs, basins, toilet bowls and shower room walls.

 
When choosing green products look for:

  • Efficacy – will the products do the job you need them to do effectively?
  • Certification – are the products certified by respected third-party agencies, such as Green Seal or DfE?
  • Disclosure of ingredients – do the products provide a full list of their ingredients on the label or the manufacturer’s website?

 
Disinfect when you must: While green alternatives are now available for most cleaning products, disinfectants remain an essential part of ensuring a healthy restroom. Public restrooms are filled with high-touch surfaces and objects that can harbor germs, so cleaning professionals should select products specifically formulated and EPA-registered to kill illness-causing bacteria on these surfaces.

  • Cleaning professionals can help prevent cross-contamination in restrooms by focusing on these surfaces and objects such as counter tops, urinals, toilets, door knobs, toilet handles, stall locks and faucets.
  • Always refer to the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and contact time, or the length of time the disinfectant needs to remain wet on the surface to properly kill viruses, fungi and bacteria.

 
When choosing disinfectants look for:

  • Efficacy – Is the product EPA-registered to kill the pathogens of most concern (i.e., influenza, norovirus, MRSA, etc.)?
  • Fast contact times – Will the products kill harmful bacteria and viruses quickly?