(Originally Published September 09, 2018)
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Office Cleaning Kitchener Series Part 2 - How many times have you walked into an office, a store, or another workplace and were immediately hit with the strong smell of cleaning chemicals? Though it's important to keep any workplace clean and sanitary, there is more than one way to do it. Some methods involve harsh, toxic cleaners. However, some commercial cleaners are now using non-toxic cleaning methods instead to help make the air you breathe greener and cleaner. If you have any questions about green cleaning, contact Kitchener Clean today!
Can cleaning products truly be non-toxic or even 'green?' Most of us have grown up with more traditional cleaning solutions, such as bleach, ammonia, or toxic floor and tile cleaning agents. Non-toxic cleaning is simply the use of cleaning products that do not contain harsh chemicals or irritants. They are environmentally friendly products, and will typically not trigger reactions such as asthma or allergic sensitivities in those who suffer from these conditions.
Although traditional cleaning products and methods are still widely used both at home and in the workplace, studies are beginning to show the potential harmful effects these chemicals can have. This is the biggest reason why many are making the switch to non-toxic cleaning products.
A recent study done by the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that women who regularly clean using traditional cleaning products either at home or in the workplace faced a greater decline in lung function versus women who did not clean regularly. Regular cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals. Unfortunately, it's impossible not to breathe in these chemicals - especially when it comes to sprays.
Many people are completely unaware what chemicals are in the products they use or are used around them in the workplace. If your commercial cleaners stop by the office twice a week, you'll be breathing in many harsh chemicals 8 times per month! Not only that, but chemicals can stick around even after the cleaning is complete - clinging to carpets and fabrics, and even your clothes. This can begin to wreak havoc on your body. Some common side effects that can occur when exposed to these chemicals include:
Many cleaning products used in both the home and the workplace contain the same toxins - all with their own potentially harmful side effects. See below to learn more about how these chemicals could be affecting you and those around you.
Ammonia is used frequently in glass cleaners as well as polishing agents, as it evaporates quickly and does not leave streaks behind. Sometimes, ammonia is even used on its own as a cleaner. Unfortunately, it can quickly become a respiratory irritant, especially for those who already suffer from lung conditions or asthma. Ammonia mixed with bleach creates a poisonous gas, so it's always important to be aware what products contain bleach and ammonia if using multiple cleaners.
Butoxyethanol is a common chemical found in many types of all-purpose cleaners as well as window cleaners. It is the chemical that gives some cleaners that 'sweet' smell. However, this chemical is known to be a throat irritant, especially when used in confined spaces. It can also cause kidney damage, liver damage, narcosis, and more when inhaled in large quantities.
Perchloroethylene (also known as "PERC") is a neurotoxin commonly found in spot removers, carpet cleaners, and upholstery cleaners - meaning this chemical is very likely to enter your workplace if your commercial cleaners do not use non-toxic cleaning products! PERC can cause neurological symptoms such as dizziness and loss of coordination. It has also been classified by the EPA (The United States Environmental Protection Agency) as a "possible carcinogen."
Source - experiencelife.com
The most obvious benefit when working with commercial cleaners that use true non-toxic cleaning products is that you and your employees will not suffer from the many uncomfortable to downright dangerous symptoms and side effects listed above. You'll find when working with green cleaning products, that there are many benefits you may have not even thought about.
When your commercial cleaners use non-toxic cleaning products, the air around you will be cleaner too. You won't be forced to breath in irritating chemicals, feel that relentless cough or tickle in your throat, or wonder why your asthma is flaring up.
Non-toxic cleaning products are also more environmentally friendly. Many products are biodegradable, which means you will not be contributing to excess waste in order to get a cleaner workplace. Non-toxic and environmentally friendly products are also better for local wildlife - as toxic cleaning chemicals can easily enter our water and harm birds, fish, and other animals.
Many symptoms that come from breathing in harsh chemicals include dizziness, inability to concentrate, and nausea. If these symptoms happen consistently in the workplace, you and your workers will not be at your best; and you will definitely not be as productive! Non-toxic cleaning is not disruptive and allows workers to feel their best.
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At Kitchener Clean, we use green, non-toxic cleaning products and methods. We understand that every office is different, with unique requirements and challenges. Many workers have skin sensitivities, asthma, or allergies, than can be trigger by toxic chemicals. At Kitchener Clean, we care about everyone in your office!
Let us introduce you to the non-toxic way to clean. Remember that non-toxic doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or cleanliness. We always use highest quality EcoLogo or Green Seal certified products when possible in your office. Non-toxic cleaning provides just as thorough a clean and sanitization as cleaning with harsh chemicals - except you won't be left with any uncomfortable side effects by the end!
In 1988, the Government of Canada founded the EcoLogo program. Now, it's recognized world-wide. EcoLogo is North America’s largest, most respected environmental standard and certification mark. EcoLogo provides customers with assurance that the products and services bearing the logo meet stringent standards of environmental leadership.
EcoLogo certifies environmental leaders, helping you find and trust the world’s most sustainable products. The EcoLogo program awards the EcoLogo (a small green logo) to those that are verified by an independent third party as complying with the strict criteria that ensures the product is clean and green.
Kitchener Clean is a locally owned and operated family business, so we treat our customers like we would treat our own family - with respect. We value integrity, consistency, and thoroughness with all of our clients. We also use non-toxic cleaning methods to keep you, your staff, and your clients breathing cleaner!
Did you know that Kitchener Clean started out as a home cleaning company? Today we are still firmly committed to cleaning your office as thoroughly as we would our own home. We are also dedicated to great customer service, honesty, and integrity.
At Kitchener Clean, we believe that our Office Care Technicians are a key reason we are so successful. We strive to hire the best Office Care Professionals in the business. We take security seriously so all of our staff are bonded and have undergone police checks.
Our reputation is important to us, so we guarantee all of our services. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, simply contact us and we will return within 24 hours to address your concern at no additional cost.
We even guarantee our response time. If we haven’t responded to any client communication within 24 hours of receiving it, we will offer you a free week of Office Care. That is how strongly we feel about the importance of communication and customer satisfaction. We will always stand behind our work. We guarantee it.
"They do a great job, for over 5 years now. Professional, trusted, and affordable... exactly what you need in a commercial cleaner."
-- Robert, A Kitchener Clean Customer!
