The importance of reading labels, using proper dilution, and addressing the challenges with greenwashing in the commercial cleaning industry are all crucial for educating both professionals and consumers.

In today’s market, where sustainability is a growing concern, choosing cleaning products that are both effective and environmentally responsible is essential. However, with the rise of greenwashing, where companies falsely market products as eco-friendly, it’s becoming harder to discern truly green products from those making false claims.

Green products

To identify authentic green products, look for third-party certifications like USDA BioPreferred®, UL EcoLogo, or Green Seal and USDA Certified Organic which indicate rigorous testing and verification for environmental safety and human health.

Additionally, check for transparent ingredient lists, ensuring they avoid harmful chemicals such as phosphates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and non-biodegradable substances. Products with credible environmental claims should also provide clear usage instructions and proper dilution rates, reducing waste and ensuring safe disposal. By opting for authentic, certified green or USDA Certified Organic products, you not only contribute to environmental preservation but also safeguard the health and safety of building occupants and cleaning staff.

Importance of reading labels

Understanding the importance of reading labels is vital for professionals and consumers alike, particularly in the commercial cleaning industry. Labels provide crucial information regarding a product’s ingredients, intended use, environmental effects, and safety precautions.

In a professional setting, where various surfaces and environments require specific care, missing or misinterpreting label instructions can lead to ineffective cleaning, surface damage, or harmful exposure to chemicals. Accurate label reading is not only a matter of compliance with health and safety regulations but also ensures that cleaning tasks are performed with the appropriate products for the job. There are several factors involved in making sure what’s on the label coincides with your protocols:

• Compliance with safety standards: Labels provide critical information about the safe use of cleaning products, including necessary precautions, potential hazards, and first-aid instructions. Following these guidelines helps ensure the safety of both the cleaning staff and building occupants.
• Effective cleaning: Labels include directions for use that maximize the effectiveness of the product. Using a product incorrectly can lead to subpar results and wasted product, potentially causing more harm than good, such as leaving residues that attract more dirt.
• Environmental impact: Labels indicate the product’s environmental footprint, including any certifications like USDA Certified Organic, Green Seal, or UL EcoLogo. This information is essential for selecting products that align with a company’s sustainability goals.

By thoroughly reading labels, users can ensure they’re handling products safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of harm to surfaces, the environment, and people.

Importance of proper dilution

Proper dilution is another key factor; using the right dilution ratio is critical in the commercial cleaning sector. Products are often concentrated to reduce waste, but improper dilution (whether too strong or too weak) can lead to several issues. Over-diluted products may not clean effectively, while under-diluted products can leave residues, cause surface damage, and pose health risks to cleaning staff and building occupants. Proper dilution not only maximizes the product’s effectiveness by ensuring optimal performance, but it also allows for cost-efficiency and minimizes the impact on our environment.

Here are the three main reasons the commercial cleaning sector should properly dilute cleaning products:

• Cost efficiency: Proper dilution ensures that you are using the correct amount of product, which helps control costs. Overuse can lead to wastage, while underuse may lead to ineffective cleaning. Increased labour costs incurred when needing to re-do cleaning procedures are a common occurrence and something that can be avoided with properly diluted products.
• Maintaining product performance: Most cleaning products are designed to work at specific concentrations. Over-diluting can weaken the cleaning power while under-diluting can leave behind residues that could damage surfaces or pose safety risks.
• Health and safety: Using products at the correct dilution reduces the risk of exposing workers and occupants to harmful levels of chemicals. It also prevents the possibility of surface damage due to overly concentrated solutions.

Proper dispensing and dilution control system selection supports your business by lowering your costs, addressing all your environmental and safety concerns, providing total operator convenience and increasing productivity. There are many options for dilution control and dispensing (including portable or wall-mounted) and choosing the proper dilution method for your company or application is very important to ensure positive outcomes. Support and education from your distributor or supplier on the various options are highly recommended.

In the midst of all this, the challenge of greenwashing complicates matters. Many products are marketed as “green,” “eco-friendly,” or “natural” without genuine environmental or health benefits. Misleading claims can result in well-meaning consumers and professionals choosing products that don’t deliver the sustainability or safety they promise. It’s essential to recognize credible certifications and take the time to research product claims to avoid falling victim to greenwashing tactics.

Challenges with greenwashing

The rise of eco-conscious consumers has led some manufacturers to engage in greenwashing, making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products. For commercial cleaning professionals, this can make it challenging to identify genuinely sustainable and safe products. It’s important to look for third-party certifications, such as UL EcoLogo, Green Seal, or the EPA’s Safer Choice, which confirm that products meet stringent environmental and safety standards. Informed choices help prevent the unintended use of harmful products disguised as eco-friendly solutions.

• Misleading claims: Some products may be marketed as “green” or “eco-friendly” without substantiated proof. This practice, known as greenwashing, can mislead consumers into thinking they are making environmentally responsible choices when they are not.
• Understanding certifications: True eco-friendly products often carry third-party certifications. However, the presence of vague or self-declared labels can make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuinely sustainable products and those that merely appear to be.
• Impact on brand reputation: Companies caught greenwashing can suffer significant damage to their reputation. It’s essential for businesses to be transparent about their products’ environmental claims and ensure they meet the required standards.

By focusing on reading labels, adhering to proper dilution practices, and staying vigilant against greenwashing, professionals and consumers can make informed, responsible choices that ensure effective cleaning and environmental responsibility. Following these practices helps commercial cleaning professionals choose products that are safe, effective, and genuinely eco-friendly. These practices are essential to maintaining healthy, sustainable environments while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards, leading to healthier environments for both workers and occupants.

James Flieler is the VP Brand Development & Training for Charlotte Products Ltd. and a renowned speaker and trainer across North America. In his over 40 years of expertise in all areas of sanitation, he has conducted hundreds of hands-on presentations and training sessions, educating employees on cleaning-related and sanitation issues.