What to Do When You’re Seeking Sustainability in Commercial Cleaning

image of leaves coming out of a cleaning bottle
Published by Conal Wixted on 07th October 2024 | Cleaning Guides and Tips

Sustainability is more than a trend; it is becoming an essential component of business practices across industries. As businesses attempt to lessen their environmental effect, commercial cleaning is one area where minor improvements can yield huge advantages.

Sustainable cleaning procedures not only help to minimise a company’s carbon footprint, but they also enhance indoor air quality, protect staff health, and often lower long-term expenditures.

If you want to implement more environmentally friendly cleaning procedures in your business, here’s what you need to do.

Why Sustainability in Cleaning Matters

Traditional cleaning procedures have a significant environmental impact. Many traditional cleaning products include harsh chemicals that contribute to water pollution and harm ecosystems. These substances can stay in the air, impacting both the indoor environment and the health of individuals there.

Businesses that adopt sustainable cleaning procedures can minimise waste, save energy, and minimise their environmental effect. Sustainable cleaning not only protects the environment, but it also makes working conditions healthier and safer for both employees and customers.

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

The first step towards sustainable cleaning is to select eco-friendly products. Choose cleaning supplies that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and free of dangerous chemicals.

Products with certifications like EcoLabel or Green Seal are generally a safe pick because they have been tested for their environmental impact.

Switching to green cleaning products also benefits the employees at your workplace. Many traditional cleaning products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can trigger respiratory problems and allergies. Eco-friendly solutions mitigate this danger, resulting in a healthier work environment.

2. Implement Water and Energy Conservation

Sustainability in cleaning extends beyond the products used. Businesses should also prioritise lowering water and energy use.

One simple approach to save water is to use microfiber cleaning cloths and mops. These tools use less water and cleaning solution than typical cotton equivalents and are extremely effective in trapping dust and debris.

Scheduling cleaning operations during non-peak hours might assist reduce energy use, particularly in larger commercial facilities. Many businesses are also converting to energy-efficient cleaning equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, which consume less power without sacrificing performance

3. Reduce Waste in Your Cleaning Process

One essential component of sustainability is waste reduction. Paper towels, disposable wipes, and plastic packaging are just a few examples of the single-use products used in many conventional cleaning techniques.

Businesses should use durable and reusable cleaning tools to reduce waste. Disposable products are not as necessary when using microfiber cloths, which can be repeatedly washed and reused.

Having a suitable recycling system in place is also crucial. Whenever feasible, make sure that the packaging from cleaning supplies and any waste produced during the cleaning process is recycled.

Utilising products with recyclable or compostable packaging and cutting down on plastic waste can make a big difference in your environmental objectives.

4. Train Your Cleaning Staff on Sustainable Practices

Staff training is essential for the success of any sustainability effort. This involves teaching your cleaning team how to use eco-friendly products properly and efficiently.

They should understand how to combine cleaning solutions in the proper amounts to avoid misuse and waste, as well as how to use equipment in a water- and energy-efficient manner.

Training staff to follow recycling and trash disposal rules guarantees that the cleaning process is sustainable. Proper training will help you get the most out of your long-term efforts.

5. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is an important consideration in any commercial environment. Harsh cleaning chemicals can contribute to poor air quality, compromising the health of personnel and customers.

To preserve appropriate air quality, organisations should avoid using goods containing harsh chemicals such as ammonia and bleach.

Furthermore, investing in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) hoover cleaners can improve the removal of dust, allergens, and pollutants. These vacuums collect particles that typical vacuums may return into the air, making them an excellent addition to your sustainable cleaning toolset.

6. Create a Sustainable Cleaning Schedule

Preventive maintenance is critical to long-term cleaning performance. Instead of waiting for dirt and grime to accumulate, regular light cleaning can help prevent the need for more comprehensive cleaning, which needs more products and resources.

Businesses may ensure resource efficiency while maintaining a clean and safe environment by developing a precise cleaning schedule that prioritises preventive cleaning. This method decreases both the environmental effect and the total time and effort required for deep cleaning.

We recently wrote about creating a cleaning schedule, you can find that here.

Invest in Sustainable Cleaning Equipment

Finally, selecting the appropriate equipment is critical. Invest in long-lasting cleaning tools with low environmental impact. Microfiber cloths, low-energy vacuum cleaners, and water-efficient mops are all great options.

Sustainable equipment frequently has the added benefit of being more durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering expenses over time.


Now is an excellent moment to assess your present cleaning habits and transition to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable strategy.

Wixted Cleaning is committed to doing our part to protect the environment, which is why we will use green products that are COSHH registered whenever possible.