“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” As the Dalai Lama said, making a few simple changes can lead to great results.
We all know that damage to the environment is a serious thing. And, many people are opting for greener home cleaning practices in an effort to live more sustainably. But does that mean green cleaning is hands down the better option?
Keep reading to learn about the differences between a traditional and green cleaning service. This article will outline a few simple facts along with the pros and cons of each method.
Green Cleaning Methods
Green cleaning methods involve using eco-friendly cleaning products. It means cleaning in a way that’s mindful of the environment and the impact we have on it. Not only is this approach kinder to the planet, but it’s also beneficial for your children and pets.
Small, deliberate changes in the way we do our normal routines might not seem that impressive. However, all those little things add up and make a huge difference to the environment. Green cleaning encompasses the knowledge we have behind the choices we make.
Traditional Cleaning Methods
Traditional cleaning involves using regular household products stocked by most supermarkets. You’re probably already well-acquainted with the popular brands.
Traditional cleaning methods usually mean that you have a different detergent for every household task. In your cupboard, you might already have a stock of tile, floor, bathroom, kitchen, and furniture cleaners!
Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about the risk of pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOC), released by traditional cleaning products. These compounds accumulate into smog, affecting the air we breathe in our homes and communities.
Good Clean Facts
So which cleaning method is the best choice for your home? Before we jump to any conclusions, let’s take a look at a few more facts about cleaning products.
The state of our living space has implications for our physical and mental well-being. So, the main reason we want to keep our homes clean is for the health of our families. Taking care of our immediate environment is good for us.
The first step in minimizing toxins is to keep your home clean in the first place. Dust, mold, spores, and bacteria are far more dangerous to your health than the cleaning products you buy. Additionally, when you have your house cleaned regularly, the amount of detergent you need to get the job done will be less.
The best way to learn more about cleaning is to chat with a professional cleaner. This makes sense because they are trained to correctly handle and apply all cleaning products. They will also have valuable insights to share about specific products.
Green Cleaning Pros and Cons
How you go about cleaning your home depends on your time, budget, and personal preferences. Below is a quick list showing the pros and cons of green cleaning.
Here are the advantages:
- Does not harm the environment
- Ingredients are non-toxic for children and pets
- You can use fewer products
These are the disadvantages:
- Green cleaning products are often more expensive
- Some products marketed as “green” are not eco-friendly
- Not all green products are regulated
Green cleaning takes a method-based rather than a product-based approach. In other words, vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and essential oils are all effective cleaning agents that you can use in a variety of ways. For example, you can use vinegar in your fridge, on stainless steel faucets, as well as on your fish and chips (don’t try that with wood polish).
The main trouble with green cleaning products is that they are sometimes more expensive and not always easy to find. Additionally, some products are labeled in a confusing way making it difficult to determine whether they are eco-friendly or not. Try and stick with those that are green seal approved.
Natural ingredients can be pretty potent and should be used with care. Depending on what you buy (and from where) not all green cleaning products have been tested or carry warning labels. This means you might have to do a little detective work before introducing them into your home.
Traditional Cleaning Pros and Cons
Regular store-bought detergents are regulated by law. Plus, they come with directions for use as well as warnings. While it’s true that many traditional cleaning products are corrosive over time or contain harsh ingredients, that doesn’t mean they are unsafe when used correctly.
One of the biggest disadvantages is that product manufacturers are not obligated to provide ingredient labels. So, you never know exactly what’s in these products.
These are the pros of traditional cleaning methods:
- Products are inexpensive and convenient to buy
- Some products are designed to be fast-acting
- Strict regulations and testing
Here are the cons of traditional cleaning:
- Some people experience sensitivities to chemical ingredients
- Release pollutants into the environment
- Cause corrosion long-term
- Not all brands disclose the ingredients
When it comes to traditional cleaning products, some people experience sensitivities to certain ingredients. In that case, you could simply try using a different one. There are many options available, and it’s easy enough to choose a different brand.
The bottom line is you always have to make sure you’re using the cleaning products correctly. That fact is the same no matter what approach to cleaning you take.
Green Cleaning Service
As much as we want to avoid further damage to the environment, traditional cleaning still has its place. You might opt to do one deep or initial clean in the traditional way and follow up with all maintenance cleaning using green methods.
How you choose to keep your home clean is completely up to you and your personal preferences.
If you choose to hire a professional green cleaning service, you can rest assured that they will use the right products. Moreover, they will also implement cleaning techniques that follow eco-friendly cleaning practices.
If you want to know more about having your home cleaned, you can get an instant free quote here.
