đź•’Estimated Reading Time: ~3 minutes
I love the smell of bleach. Really, I do. Something about it creates a pleasant visceral response in me as it spills from the bottle into a washer load of stinky running socks. It signifies clean with its distinct result—the disinfectant rendering those socks white and safe to wear, again. But somehow, maybe, I’ve romanticized those dirty socks and I’ve already been harmed by the odors.
For surely I’m wrong. Chlorine bleach, no matter what my nose says, is not ideal for cleaning uses, especially in homes with animals and children. And the environmental impacts, both micro and macro, of all harsh cleaners we now know are something to avoid.
Franchise cleaning services know better too. Their focus is on both cleanliness and safety, and they increasingly implement and refine their cleaning technology to be more eco-conscious. Cleaning franchises adopt different elements to be both green-friendly and environmentally-friendly while still providing clean homes and businesses for their clients. And their evolved practices show, in fact, that trademark clean smell is still attainable without the harsh chemicals.
What is Green-Friendly?
Becoming green and protecting the environment is a topic tossed around a lot. There is no hard definition, but green-friendly practices for franchise cleaning services usually includes a variety of approaches to protect air quality, ensure safety, and be environmentally responsible by reducing waste and protecting water sources.
Products that are viewed as environmentally safe are reviewed by the Cleaning Institute, a association of cleaning product companies and users. They review surface cleaners, detergents, and soaps for carcinogens, allergens, and toxic chemicals. Cleaning franchises who use approved products and methods can also become Green Seal certified, one tangible way that demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable cleaning practices.
Air, Health, and Environment
Air quality inside enclosed homes and offices is a big concern. The proportional effect of a chemical can be ten times greater than outdoor air pollution because it is confined within a home, school, or office. Health and safety concerns are very real with products like ammonia and bleach, especially when children play on a bleached or ammonia-cleaned floor. Ingesting the residue can be toxic.
The environmental impact of using green-friendly products is substantial too. Oil is a good cleaner, but petroleum-based products can be avoided. Using plant-based oils for cleaners reduces overall oil dependency and is very effective in franchise cleaning operations. By using green-friendly products, cleaning water remains safe to put in drains or yards.
For cleaning franchises and for their clients, the move to green and sustainable cleaning techniques is commendable. The franchise, clients, employees, and the world all benefit from incorporating green elements in cleaning franchises. And yes, those socks will still be clean.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.