9 Simple Ways You Can Clean Greener (And Save Money)

During a global pandemic, like COVID-19, it may seem counterintuitive to adapt green cleaning practices. But as it turns out, it’s actually the perfect time.

And believe it or not, it’s easier – and cheaper — than you think. Here’s 9 easy ways to get started.

1. Choose disinfectants on EPA List N that have safer active ingredients, such as choosing products with one of the following active ingredients:
   • Hydrogen peroxide (if it does not also contain peroxyacetic acid)
   • Citric acid
   • Lactic acid
   • Ethyl alcohol/ethanol/alcohol
   • Isopropyl alcohol
   • Peroxyacetic acid (if it does not also contain hydrogen peroxide)
   • Sodium bisulfate
2. Use re-usable cleaning supplies, such as microfiber towels and mops, and launder after use using the highest washer and dryer heat settings recommended by the manufacturer. They not only do a better job, but more cost-effective as well.
3. Skip the hand dryer and use hand towels made with recycled content.
4. Better yet, skip the disposable hand towels, and choose re-usable towels that you can launder after you use them. Over the long run, cloth is less expensive than paper.
5. Buy concentrated cleaning products designed to be diluted with unheated water. That prevents packaging waste and reduces the amount of energy it takes to transport them. Plus, they are easier on your pocketbook. In general, try to avoid buying and using plastic, particularly single use.
6. Where possible, wash your hands with soap and water vs. using hand sanitizer. Not only is it more effective, it’s more economical.
7. Routinely clean outdoor spaces but avoid widespread spraying of disinfectants in outdoor areas such as wooden surfaces (i.e., benches or tables), groundcovers (i.e., mulch) and sidewalks and roads. Clean and disinfect high-touch areas made of plastic or metal. You’ll use fewer supplies and decrease the possibility of adding hazardous chemicals into the environment.
8. Use time to your advantage – corona viruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days – so instead of spraying down surfaces or possessions with disinfectant, consider letting them “rest” for a week before you handle or use them.
9. Curate your belongings and furnishings to minimize the number of items that need to be cleaned, particularly possessions that venture out into public places. At the workplace, consider removing hard-to-disinfect items like area rugs, fabric-covered furniture, high-touch screens and remote controls.

If you are looking for a turnkey, evidence-based, green commercial cleaning and disinfecting solution WellNest can help.

Contact us today via email at support@gowellnest.com, phone at (800) 791-2878, or through our website.