- Ask which third-party certifications the products hold, such as Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice.
- Green cleaning is also about methods: microfiber, correct dilution, HEPA vacuums and waste reduction.
- Disinfectants are regulated by the EPA, and some products are green-certified while others are not. Use the right product for the job.
"Eco-friendly" is a popular claim and not always a meaningful one. These questions help you separate real practice from marketing.
1. Which products do you use, and are they certified?
Third-party certifications offer more credibility than a label that simply says "green." Common ones include:
- Green Seal. Standards for cleaning products used in institutional and industrial settings.
- EPA Safer Choice. Products meeting EPA criteria for safer ingredients.
- UL ECOLOGO. A multi-attribute environmental standard.
Ask for the product list and the safety data sheets.
2. How do you handle disinfection?
Disinfectants are registered with the EPA and have label claims about the germs they kill. Some environments, such as medical offices and daycares, need disinfectants for certain surfaces. Eco-friendly practice means using disinfectant only where it is needed, following the label and contact time, and using lower-hazard options where they are effective. See disinfection basics.
3. What methods do you use?
Green cleaning is more than products.
- Microfiber cloths and mops that capture more soil with less chemical
- Accurate dilution systems to avoid overuse
- HEPA-filter vacuums to improve indoor air quality
- Reusable cloths and efficient laundering
- Reduced packaging and concentrated products
- Proper disposal of chemicals and waste
4. Do you follow a green cleaning standard?
Some companies align with programs such as ISSA's CIMS-GB. Ask what they follow and how they verify it.
5. Is staff trained in safe use?
Even gentle products must be used per the label. OSHA's Hazard Communication standard still applies.
6. How will you report results?
Ask whether the vendor can provide product lists and practices for your building's sustainability or LEED documentation.
Watch for greenwashing
- Vague words like "natural" or "eco" with no certification
- No safety data sheets available
- Claims of "chemical-free" cleaning (everything is a chemical)
- Promises of both stronger disinfection and zero hazards
Related: green cleaning goes mainstream.