Where Did Green Cleaning Go?

green cleaning 101

Green cleaning has been around for a while. It’s been here way before the pandemic took over. But what has really happened during its time here? Have households and business establishments created better cleaning processes and practices because of it? Have commercial cleaning companies come to terms with the reality of harsh traditional cleaning methods and are they willing to do something about it? What is the effect of the lingering pandemic on green cleaning and the global efforts to trump traditional cleaning? You’re about to find out. 

Green cleaning and the COVID situation

The coronavirus suddenly and very swiftly instilled in us a simple yet crucial task: washing your hands is highly underrated. On a larger scale, in the very blink of an eye, households and businesses are forced to rethink their cleaning practices, making sure that every procedure meets the standards of governing organizations. 

And because everyone is expected to level up in terms of cleaning, the use of stronger cleaning products and disinfectants took center stage once and for all. While this does not necessarily eliminate green cleaning practices altogether, the circumstance saw a great deviation from green cleaning in general. 

How does green cleaning fare in the aftermath of COVID-19?

To better understand green cleaning and its place in the fight against COVID-19, let’s go over the simple difference between cleaning and disinfecting.

Cleaning vs. Disinfection

Cleaning is the process of eliminating germs and other bacteria that are present on the surface. Cleaning does not kill pathogens, which are organisms that cause diseases. Disinfecting kills germs and pathogens, but only if done properly. 

Basically, you can clean a surface with the use of simple detergent and water. Disinfection, on the other hand, requires a stronger product, preferably chemical-based ones, to render pathogens present on the surface indisposed. 

At the height of the pandemic, cleaning is not enough anymore. Disinfection becomes imperative, and you cannot just do it any which way you can. 

Supervising organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have provided a list of disinfectants that are recommended for the fight against COVID. The list was dominated by bleach, isopropyl alcohol, and the more common disinfectants. Green cleaning products are also present on the list, but not as extensive as the more traditional cleaning products. 

Are green cleaning products still worth it? 

is it worth investing in green cleaning products?

The short answer is yes. Green cleaning products are still worth it, even in the face of the pandemic. While green cleaning products do not shine during these trying times like most traditional cleaners, it does not necessarily mean that they are not effective enough in killing the virus. They just weren’t tested as early as the traditional cleaning products. 

Shifting the focus on green cleaning again

The present COVID-19 situation has gotten better since it started a few years ago. We have a better handle on the reins of the virus, with the majority of the people getting fully vaccinated and accompanying booster shots. Offices, business establishments, and even schools are starting to open their doors and gates once more, with the steady aid of commercial cleaning companies and janitorial services. Slowly, we can see some semblance of the normalcy we had before the pandemic set in in 2019. 

So where does green cleaning figure in in all of this? 

By achieving herd immunity and having better community protection, the fight against COVID-19 has gotten so much stronger. We have gained worthwhile progress. And while there is still a need to uphold cleaning standards that are at par with the institutions’ recommendations, we can now slowly start making conscious choices through green cleaning.

The green cleaning advantage

As we all know by now, green cleaning products and practices are generally better for the environment–they don’t contain toxic and harsh chemicals present in traditional cleaning products. The sad truth is that traditional cleaning products are deliberately poisoning you and you’re not even aware of it, and may even cause health issues that can be worse than COVID-19. They tend to linger on spots that you’ve cleaned and may trigger chronic diseases when exposed for a long period. 

If it’s better for the environment, it also means it’s better for you. With green cleaning products, you are less likely to develop skin and eye irritations, as well as respiratory problems that could become worse in the long run. 

Effective cleaning holds the golden rule

effective cleaning and green cleaning

Regardless of the use of traditional or green cleaning products, one thing stands to last and that is the importance of effective cleaning. 

Since we are forced to live with COVID-19 still lingering, effective cleaning becomes the focal point in terms of healthy living. If there’s anything we learned from this, it’s that nothing beats being prepared. You can’t be too careful—you need to clean and disinfect properly for it to be considered effective. Nothing stands to chance. 

And with effective cleaning, the only thing that comes to mind is calling in the experts. Think of it as calling the Ghostbusters, because it’s pretty much that way. Commercial cleaning services know effective cleaning more than anyone else. They are well-versed and armed with the right knowledge when it comes to handling different cleaning situations. Apart from that, they know the right techniques and they have all sorts of equipment to make the cleaning job as effective and as efficient as possible. If you don’t trust yourself or are having doubts about whether you’re actually doing a pretty good job at cleaning and disinfecting, then rest your case and call in the professional cleaners around Windham County, Connecticut

The bottom line

At this point, it’ll probably take a village—maybe a nation—to maintain a steady yet safe environment for everyone. And while, for a second there, green cleaning has been out of the picture, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has to go. It just wasn’t given the credit it needed and deserved. And we all know it should be. 

In the long run, the eco-friendly and natural alternative will never go out of style.