Nearly six in 10 consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to live in a greener way, as found in research conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value and the National Retail Federation. The interest in leading an eco-friendlier life involves making well-considered decisions for everything from energy consumption right through to food, fashion, and even cleaning.
The EPA reports that the indoor air quality in many homes is up to five times more polluted than it is outside — one cause of this phenomenon is the use of toxic cleaning products. Green cleaning can therefore be seen as a way to lower one’s carbon footprint and enjoy better health. The following are just a few innovations in green cleaning.
Effective Chemical-Free Cleaning
The government definition of green cleaning is a process which uses “products and services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products.” Many commercially available products contain toxic ingredients such as ammonia, chlorine, sodium hydroxide, PERC, and formaldehyde. These have been linked in study after study to a plethora of health conditions, with some known to be carcinogens and neurotoxins. One key innovation used by many green cleaning companies is the so-called ‘aqueous ozone water system’, which transforms tap water into an ultra-effective cleaning solution by infusing it with ozone (O3). The latter is a powerful sanitizer with antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Smart Steam Cleaners
Steam cleaners require no chemicals, yet are able to eliminate germs owing to the high temperature of the steam they emit. ‘Smart’ steam cleaners have functions that enable users to control steam and power. Some even offer 24/7 steam technology, since they enable a hose to be plugged directly into the cleaner for continuous supply. Newer steam cleaners also have a vital feature that most older machines do not: dual hot water and detergent injection technology, which cleans surfaces more optimally while providing up to 20% more steam.
Mechanical Cleaning
HTC has shown how efficient mechanical cleaning can be with its Twister – a system that uses pads containing millions of tiny diamonds. It effectively scrubs dirt away without destroying surfaces. The system can be used on everything from natural stone to vinyl, and even delicate ceramic. The diamond-based system has an added bonus: it adds an appealing gleam to floors, giving homes a professional looking clean.
Probiotic Cleaning Products
Probiotics are also making their mark on the cleaning industry. These products harness the natural cleaning abilities of ‘good bacteria’, sourcing it from plants. These products are able to clean homes at a deep level and are A+ rated by Indoor Air Controlled because they improve indoor air quality. They have the ability, for instance, to reduce bio-allergens such as mold and pollen, and they eliminate bad odors without the need for artificial fragrance.
If you are eager to embrace a greener lifestyle, then why not start by embracing green cleaning products and machines? Doing so will not only improve your indoor air quality, but also leave your home clean and germ-free. Just a few innovations worth looking into include probiotic cleaning products, mechanical cleaning equipment, smart steam cleaners, and toxin-free cleaners for surfaces and floors.
Photo by Crema Joe on Unsplash
