We live in a time of heightened eco-consciousness. Climate change, forever chemicals, microplastics… It’s always a lingering thought. As an office cleaning company, we know we have an impact, too – not just from the cleaning agents and products we use, but from how we operate day-to-day.
Cleaning products can be harsh on the environment, and on health, but sometimes they’re absolutely necessary for the task at hand.
Fortunately, there are plenty of natural, eco-friendly alternatives out there that can get the job done. And there are a few hacks that can limit the negative impact of office cleaning on the environment. Here are some of our top cleaning hacks that are good for the planet, your team, and for your office.
Vinegar is a magic elixir for cleaning
Vinegar is like the superhero of natural cleaning. It’s non-toxic, fully biodegradable – and incredibly versatile. We’ve written about using cheap white vinegar for cleaning before, and the benefits of using it over chemical-based cleaners.
Dilute vinegar solutions can be highly effective: simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and you’ve got a multi-surface cleaner that works on countertops, mirrors and even hard floors. Not a fan of the vinegary smell? Just add a few drops of essential oils (lavender or lemon work brilliantly) for a pleasant scent.
A vinegar-soaked cloth can descale taps and fixtures with ease, too. It’s not such a big issue in Cardiff, where our water is particularly soft – but for hard water areas, vinegar works wonders. Simply wrap the cloth around your taps and scrub, to remove hard water stains and limescale buildup.
Scrub it down with bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda doesn’t just make fluffy pancakes – it works for eco-friendly office cleaning, too! It’s naturally occurring, but even industrial bicarb is completely inert and environmentally friendly.
It has so many uses, too. We’ve written about its deodorising power in cleaning carpets and common office smells – but you can use it for stain removal as well.
Tough stains on hard surfaces? Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda directly onto surfaces like sinks and counters. Add a bit of water or vinegar to create a paste, then scrub away the problem. It can work great on upholstery, too – lifting out oils and sticky stains with relative ease (just be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first).
And if your office fridge stinks, just keep an open box of bicarbonate of soda in your fridge to absorb and neutralise those funky smells.
Read more: How to Keep the Office Fridge Fresh & Clean
Lemon and shine
Lemons are naturally antibacterial and have the power to cut through grease – making them perfect for eco-friendly cleaning jobs.
Rubbing a lemon half on chrome taps works a little like vinegar, removing water spots and adding a lustrous shine – but it also cuts through soap scum and grime, too. Lemons are great in kitchen spaces, too, where grease can build up on surfaces.
And if the office microwave is a bit of a state, lemons can even help with that. Fill a microwaveable bowl with water and a few lemon slices, then microwave it for 3 to 5 minutes. The steam loosens food splatters, and the lemon cuts through grease. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! And don’t throw away the peels – put them in a spray bottle with your vinegar solution for a free, zero-waste fragrance boost.
Watch out for allergies
While still rare, citrus allergies (and indeed all allergies) are on the up globally – so check nobody would be affected by using lemons as part of your cleaning kit. Lemons and vinegar have some crossover in terms of cleaning power, so vinegar can work as a great substitute if allergies are a concern.
From riches to rags, to riches again
Instead of buying new cleaning cloths or paper towels, recycle old t-shirts, towels and sheets into reusable cleaning rags. Try to use 100% cotton, to limit microplastics leaching into the water whenever you rinse or wash them. You’ll save money, and save on waste! They’re perfect for dusting, wiping down surfaces, and even cleaning windows. Speaking of which…
Make your own eco-friendly glass cleaner
For streak-free windows and mirrors without the chemicals, make a batch of this easy and effective glass cleaner:
- 500 ml water
- 125 ml white vinegar
- Half a teaspoon of washing up liquid
Mix these ingredients up in a spray bottle, and spray it on your windows. Just wipe it away with a recycled rag for sparkling, streak-free glass.
What else can you do to limit the impact of cleaning?
Consider buying your cleaning supplies in bulk to reduce packaging waste and trips to the shops – this could save you some money and time, but will definitely save on packaging waste. To make this even more profound, look for concentrated formulas that require less product to do the job, or refillable containers that cut down on single-use plastics.
Choose brushes with wooden handles and natural bristles – and look for reusable, biodegradable sponges. They last longer than synthetic options and break down naturally when they are at the end of life, making them better for the environment.
And it might seem obvious, but try to keep things tidy and clean as you go. The less you need to clean, the less stuff you’ll use, the less energy you’ll use, and the fewer products you’ll have to dump down sinks and drains.
Doing your bit isn’t just eco-friendly – it’s good for business and saves money, too.
If you’re interested in improving your cleaning efficiency and the products you use, let’s talk about what The Abbey Cleaning Service can do for you.
Professional Office Cleaning
Get professional office cleaning from The Abbey Cleaning Service. Wherever possible, we strive to use eco-friendly products and solutions for our office cleaning services – including using all-natural products.
Call 029 2067 9323 or use our contact form today, to find out more.
