When people talk about sustainability, they’re often thinking about things like renewable energy, plant-based diets or electric vehicles. But one of the most overlooked yet essential drivers of environmental and individual health is something discussed less often: cleaning.  

Cleaning products and practices affect the health of workers, building occupants and the environment. Having been in this industry for decades, I’ve been one of those people breathing chemical fumes, managing emergencies caused by toxic exposure and rushing colleagues to the emergency room. Those experiences shaped my perspective, driving home just how critical sustainable cleaning practices are for the well-being of both workers and the planet. 

Redefining Sustainability in Cleaning 

Sustainability in cleaning isn’t just about “green” labels and using the right products — it’s about safety, practicality and long-term impact. Most importantly, it’s protecting frontline employees who handle chemicals, operate machinery and maintain the spaces where others work. 

Sustainable cleaning means using products that are not only safe for the environment, but also safe for the people who use them. Many “eco-friendly” disinfectants sound great initially but have significant limitations after a bit of research. For example, some require a 10-minute dwell time to be effective. In a real-world scenario — like during the height of the pandemic — cleaners don’t have time to wait. They spray a disinfectant and wipe it up, not realizing it didn’t have time to work properly. 

As a result, we prioritize disinfectants with around 30-second dwell times to protect workers and building occupants while also effectively killing germs. It’s also vital to use cleaning agents that are food safe and don’t leave behind harmful residues, as people are working and eating in these spaces all day.  

Sustainability is about more than just the environmental impact. It’s also the responsibility of the cleaning sector to mitigate any kind of negative health outcome, especially if it could have been prevented. 

Smart Choices in Tools and Equipment 

Chemicals are just one aspect of cleaning. Doing it sustainably also involves a thoughtful selection of tools and equipment. We require HEPA-filtered vacuums, going well beyond just cleaning the carpet. They improve indoor air quality by trapping and removing dust and allergens, which is critical for the health of both cleaners and others working in these spaces.  

Consideration of water usage is also an important aspect of sustainable cleaning. Microfiber has long been viewed as the standard, but it comes with drawbacks, particularly when it comes to laundering. A large facility can go through hundreds of microfiber towels daily, requiring massive amounts of water and energy to clean them. That’s why we’re shifting toward reusable tools that don’t require laundering, lasting longer and reducing both waste and water use. 

Our teams also use advanced equipment like water-recycling robots, which function a lot like a pool filter, collecting dirt, filtering out debris and reusing the water. This not only conserves water but also reduces chemical runoff into drains. 

Data-Driven Waste Reduction 

Another key area where we’ve made strides in sustainability is waste reduction, especially in restrooms. Traditionally, cleaners service restrooms on a schedule, which means partially used paper rolls or soap cartridges get thrown away to maintain standards. But now with smart sensors and dashboards, we know exactly when supplies need to be replaced.  

This simple change has helped us cut waste in restrooms by up to 40%. That’s a huge win for both sustainable cleaning and our clients’ budgets. With just three to four months of data, we can adjust cleaning schedules to match real usage of the space, creating more efficient workflows.  

Sustainable cleaning extends beyond the facility. We work with suppliers who uphold sustainability throughout their supply chains, ensuring the equipment we use is responsibly manufactured and designed for longevity. From mop handles to biodegradable wipes, every decision is made in the context of a broader system. We also perform regular waste audits, which is a vital component of any effective recycling program, to identify issues and consult on better systems and training options.  

Balancing Performance and Planet 

We can’t sacrifice cleaning performance, but the products and processes we choose must protect both people and the planet. Critical investments like chemical-free stripping technologies, low-moisture carpet cleaning and reduced-PPE cleaning methods that minimize the use of latex gloves and disposable gear help keep items out of landfills and mitigate the use of harmful chemicals. 

Cleaning is often undervalued or taken for granted, but it’s critical for keeping people safe and healthy. It impacts workplace attendance, public perception and employee contentment. And when done thoughtfully, it can be a meaningful component of an organization’s sustainability strategy. Sustainable cleaning is about responsibility — protecting workers, reducing waste and delivering safe, effective spaces for everyone.