How to Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaning in Offices

Margaret Ntambi
Jun 28
12 min read

Updated: Jun 28

Switching to non-toxic cleaning in offices is a smart move to improve workplace health and reduce harmful chemical exposure. Traditional cleaning products often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leading to respiratory issues, headaches, and reduced productivity. By choosing safer alternatives, you can create a healthier environment for employees, cut down on sick days, and even save on long-term costs.

Here’s how to make the switch effectively:

Evaluate Current Practices: Identify high-chemical-use areas and review existing products for harmful ingredients.
Choose Safer Products: Look for plant-based, biodegradable options with third-party certifications like Green Seal or Safer Choice.
Implement Gradually: Replace products step-by-step, starting with high-priority areas like restrooms and break rooms.
Train Staff: Educate your team on proper use and benefits of non-toxic products.
Monitor and Improve: Track air quality, employee feedback, and health improvements to refine your approach.

Studies show non-toxic cleaning can lower exposure to harmful chemicals by up to 86% and reduce workplace medical costs by 75%. It’s a simple yet impactful way to promote a healthier, safer, and more productive office environment.

The Importance of Safe, Non Toxic & Eco Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Assess Current Cleaning Practices

Switching to non-toxic cleaning starts with understanding your current methods and identifying which practices pose the most risks. This step helps you prioritize which products to replace first and pinpoint areas that need the most attention. A thorough evaluation lays the groundwork for choosing safer alternatives.

Review Existing Cleaning Supplies

Start by gathering all your cleaning products - everything from bathroom cleaners and glass sprays to floor polishes and air fresheners. Once collected, carefully read the labels to check the ingredients. Pay attention to full ingredient lists, as some chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

Use trusted resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) guide to research the potential health risks of these chemicals. Look for certifications such as Green Seal, EcoLogo, or Safer Choice, which indicate that a product meets specific health and environmental standards. Creating a master list of approved cleaning products can help streamline your transition to non-toxic options. Including this list in your cleaning policy, along with a directory of approved suppliers, ensures consistency. Simplifying your inventory by reducing the number of different products can also make the transition smoother and reduce the need for extensive staff training. Additionally, keep and display Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for easy staff reference.

Identify High-Chemical-Use Areas

After reviewing your cleaning supplies, focus on areas with the highest chemical exposure. Different spaces in your office require varying levels of cleaning, which means some areas are exposed to stronger chemical cleaners more frequently. To prioritize where to introduce non-toxic alternatives, identify high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, shared equipment, conference tables, and kitchen appliances. Also, consider areas with poor ventilation or where personal protective equipment (PPE) use is challenging.

Pay close attention to spaces with heavy contamination risks and high foot traffic. Restrooms, break rooms, and shared workspaces often require frequent cleaning with stronger agents. Reviewing past records of accidents or health complaints - like respiratory issues, skin irritation, or headaches - can also help pinpoint problem areas. For example, symptoms that align with cleaning schedules or specific locations may indicate chemical exposure. Consider the needs of employees in different parts of your facility. High-traffic areas like open offices and conference rooms should take priority over less frequently used spaces like storage rooms or utility areas.

Area Type	Risk Level	Chemical Exposure	Priority for Transition
Restrooms	High	Daily use of disinfectants and cleaners	Immediate
Break Rooms/Kitchens	High	Degreasers and sanitizers	Immediate
Open Office Spaces	Medium	Surface cleaners and air fresheners	High
Conference Rooms	Medium	Glass cleaners and surface sprays	High
Storage Areas	Low	Occasional deep cleaning agents	Low

Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Once you've evaluated your current cleaning practices, it’s time to switch to non-toxic alternatives that clean effectively without introducing harmful chemicals. The key is to carefully assess product safety and performance before making your choices.

Product Selection Criteria

Just because a product is labeled as “green” or “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. Terms like "natural" and "eco-friendly" aren't regulated, so you need to scrutinize labels for potentially harmful ingredients. To ensure you're selecting genuinely non-toxic products, focus on specific indicators of safety and environmental responsibility.

Start by choosing products with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that won’t harm the environment when they break down. Look for products that disclose their full ingredient list and carry trusted third-party certifications like Certified B Corp, USDA Organic, EcoLogo, Green Seal, or Cradle to Cradle. These certifications evaluate the safety of ingredients and environmental impact.

For added peace of mind, consider products that meet the EPA's Safer Choice Criteria, especially when it comes to fragrances. Opt for items with minimal VOCs to maintain better indoor air quality. Whenever possible, choose fragrance-free options or those scented with natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.

Another eco-friendly choice is concentrated formulas, which use less packaging and reduce waste. Choose products in recyclable or minimal packaging to further reduce their environmental footprint.

Product Categories You Need

To keep your cleaning routine efficient and effective, focus on a few essential product categories that meet safety standards and align with your cleaning needs. Instead of stocking up on a wide range of specialized products, prioritize these versatile options that cover most office cleaning tasks.

All-purpose cleaners are the backbone of any cleaning kit. They can tackle everyday tasks like cleaning floors, windows, mirrors, and most surfaces. Look for concentrated formulas that allow you to adjust the strength depending on the job.

Glass cleaners are essential for windows and glass surfaces that accumulate dirt and soap scum. While all-purpose cleaners can handle light glass cleaning, dedicated glass cleaners provide streak-free results. Rubbing alcohol can also be a simple, non-toxic alternative for cleaning glass.

Bathroom cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners are must-haves for keeping restrooms hygienic. These products should effectively remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and germs without relying on harsh chemicals. For humid areas, consider adding mold inhibitors to your cleaning routine to prevent growth.

Disinfectants and sanitizers are crucial for high-touch surfaces, especially in shared spaces. Look for non-toxic options that use ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or citric acid to kill germs effectively without harmful side effects.

Furniture polish and upholstery cleaners help maintain office furniture while minimizing exposure to toxic chemicals. For whitening and stain removal, non-chlorine bleach is a safer alternative. Depending on your flooring, you’ll also need carpet, hardwood, and tile cleaners that clean thoroughly while improving air quality.

For chemical-free floor cleaning, consider using steam mops, which sanitize surfaces without releasing any harmful substances into the air. For tough stains, Jennifer Troyer of Seattle Green Cleaner recommends mixing Dr. Bronner castile soap with Bob's Red Mill baking soda for a gentle yet effective scrub. Baking soda and water work wonders on sinks and showers, while distilled white vinegar is a reliable antibacterial cleaner for most office surfaces.

Product Category	Use	Essential Features
All-Purpose Cleaners	Daily surface cleaning, floors, mirrors	Concentrated formula, plant-based ingredients
Glass Cleaners	Windows, glass doors, mirrors	Streak-free formula, ammonia-free
Bathroom Cleaners	Restrooms, sinks, counters	Mold and mildew prevention, soap scum removal
Disinfectants	High-touch surfaces, sanitizing	EPA registration, broad-spectrum effectiveness
Floor Cleaners	Various flooring types	Surface-specific formulation, low-residue

Switching to non-toxic cleaning products may require some tweaks to your routine, but the health benefits for your team make it a worthwhile change.

Implement Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions

Once you've assessed your needs and chosen the right products, it’s time to put your non-toxic cleaning plan into action. Transitioning to safer cleaning solutions doesn’t have to happen all at once - take it step by step to ensure both effectiveness and safety.

Phase Out Old Cleaning Products

Start by replacing one conventional cleaning product at a time with an eco-friendly alternative. This gradual shift makes the process more manageable financially and gives you the chance to see how each new product works in your office environment. Prioritize swapping out products that pose the greatest health risks, especially those used in areas with poor ventilation or that contain harsh chemicals. Restrooms and break rooms, being high-traffic areas, are great places to begin.

Before rolling out a new product across your entire office, test it in a smaller area. This trial period lets you fine-tune how the product is applied or adjust dilution ratios if necessary. Regularly review the ingredients of your chosen products to ensure they continue to meet eco-friendly standards.

Train Staff on New Products

Proper training is key to maintaining consistent cleaning quality during this transition. Without it, you risk uneven results and even potential dissatisfaction among employees. Create clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and customized cleaning checklists to guide staff on how to use each product effectively on the right surfaces.

Take the time to educate your team not just on how to use the products, but also on the health benefits of non-toxic cleaning methods. Regular check-ins can help address any concerns or questions and provide an opportunity for feedback. Pair these changes with sustainable cleaning tools to fully support your non-toxic strategy.

Use Reusable Cleaning Tools

Incorporating reusable tools into your cleaning routine helps reduce waste while aligning with your non-toxic goals. Microfiber cloths, for example, are highly effective at picking up dust and dirt and can be washed and reused. Compared to cotton, microfiber absorbs more dirt and microorganisms, though it’s important to note that it can be damaged by high-pH solutions and isn’t compatible with chlorine-based disinfectants.

Other reusable tools like sponges, scrubbing brushes, and microfiber mops can also improve cleaning efficiency. To extend the life of these tools and avoid cross-contamination, clean and disinfect them thoroughly after each use. Store tools upside down to dry completely, and when possible, wash them in hot water (158–176°F).

For businesses in Columbia, MD, RIHA Cleaners provides specialized commercial cleaning services tailored to non-toxic practices. These methods not only promote a healthier environment but also support your overall transition to eco-friendly cleaning.

Monitor Results and Make Improvements

Once you've transitioned to non-toxic cleaning, keeping an eye on the results is essential to ensure you're hitting your goals for health and efficiency. Regular monitoring lets you see what's working, identify any gaps, and tweak your approach as needed. By doing this, you can maintain high cleaning standards while safeguarding employee wellbeing. Plus, insights from your team can help fine-tune your methods for even better outcomes.

Track Air Quality and Employee Health

One of the most effective ways to measure the success of your non-toxic cleaning efforts is by tracking air quality. Air quality sensors are particularly useful for detecting pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). These devices provide continuous, real-time data, helping you act quickly if pollution levels rise.

Set up alerts for when pollutant levels exceed safe thresholds to ensure a consistently healthy indoor environment. For a deeper dive, professional indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments can give you detailed reports and expert advice for further improvements.

Employee health is another key metric. Anonymous surveys are a great tool for collecting feedback on air quality, workplace morale, and satisfaction with the new cleaning practices. Additionally, tracking trends in employee sick days can reveal whether your green cleaning program is making a positive impact. Considering that over 75% of workplace medical costs stem from preventable conditions, this data can be incredibly valuable.

Research backs this up. For instance, a study by Skulberg et al. found that offices implementing strict dust reduction measures saw significant improvements in indoor air quality and employee health. Workers reported less mucosal irritation, reduced nasal congestion, and overall better health.

It's also worth keeping an eye on financial metrics, like cleaning product costs and waste disposal fees. While non-toxic products might be pricier upfront, businesses often find that reduced sick days and increased productivity help balance out these expenses over time.

In addition to hard data, employee feedback is vital for ongoing success.

Collect Feedback and Update Procedures

Your team’s input can be a game-changer when it comes to fine-tuning your cleaning practices. Use anonymous surveys to encourage honest feedback about the new cleaning products and procedures. Ask questions about restroom cleanliness, air quality, and whether any lingering odors suggest incomplete transitions .

Act on feedback quickly and keep your team in the loop about any changes . Building a culture of open communication can make these discussions a regular part of workplace routines. Monthly check-ins with cleaning staff, for example, can help you catch and address challenges early. Recognize and reward employees and customers who provide helpful suggestions. Empower your cleaning team to make on-the-spot adjustments, whether that means tweaking cleaning product dilution ratios, increasing cleaning frequency in busy areas, or switching to non-toxic alternatives better suited for specific surfaces.

Once you've made improvements, keep monitoring to see if the changes are effective. Look for reductions in pollutants and improvements in employee satisfaction. This creates a feedback loop where you're constantly refining your approach, ensuring your non-toxic cleaning program stays effective and adaptable to your office's needs.

If you're in the Columbia, MD area and need help during this process, RIHA Cleaners offers commercial cleaning services that align with non-toxic practices, helping you maintain consistency while optimizing your internal procedures.

Local Resources for Professional Cleaning Support

Teaming up with a professional cleaning service can make the switch to non-toxic cleaning much smoother. In Columbia, MD, and the larger DMV area, RIHA Cleaners provides customized commercial cleaning services designed to align with your non-toxic goals. Their flexible and detail-focused approach helps you implement safer cleaning practices efficiently. Leveraging local expertise can strengthen your efforts toward healthier cleaning methods. These services work hand-in-hand with the internal strategies we’ve already covered.

To make the most of this partnership, collaborate with RIHA Cleaners by evaluating your office's specific needs - consider factors like size, cleaning frequency, and areas that require extra attention. Open communication is key to achieving your non-toxic goals. Be sure to request a tailored plan that outlines the services they’ll provide, the products they’ll use, and the cleaning schedule.

Professional cleaning services ensure your workspace stays spotless during the transition, enhancing productivity while showcasing your dedication to health and safety. Many services integrate natural cleaning agents with eco-friendly disinfectants to meet green cleaning standards.

Conclusion

Switching to non-toxic cleaning methods can boost health and lessen environmental harm. To make the transition smoother, start by evaluating your current cleaning practices, choose safer products, implement changes gradually, and keep an eye on the results.

The health perks alone make this shift worth considering. Studies show that green cleaning can lower exposure to as many as 17 harmful chemicals, including chloroform and benzene. In fact, one study reported an 86% drop in chloroform exposure after switching to green cleaning products.

There’s also a financial upside. Green cleaning programs have been shown to cut costs by as much as 84% annually. These savings stem from fewer health-related absences, reduced insurance expenses, and higher employee productivity. Not only does this benefit your team’s health, but it also makes a noticeable difference to your bottom line.

To keep your non-toxic cleaning efforts on track, conduct regular audits and gather employee feedback. Audits help monitor chemical use, energy, and water consumption, while feedback ensures the program evolves to meet your needs. Staying informed about new products and techniques in the green cleaning market will help you maintain an effective program.

Whether you handle the transition in-house or work with professional services like RIHA Cleaners in the DMV area, shifting to safer cleaning practices is an investment with long-term rewards. It improves employee well-being, reduces your environmental footprint, and enhances your company’s reputation. By embracing non-toxic cleaning, you take an important step toward creating a healthier and more efficient workplace.

FAQs

What are the long-term cost advantages of using non-toxic cleaning products in an office?

Switching to non-toxic cleaning products in the office can actually save money in the long run. These products tend to be gentler on office equipment and surfaces, which means less damage and a longer lifespan for things like furniture, flooring, and appliances. On top of that, many non-toxic options are designed to be more efficient, potentially cutting down on energy use and operational costs.

There’s another big perk: a healthier workplace. Using non-toxic cleaners can improve air quality and reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, which might mean fewer sick days for employees and lower healthcare expenses. Over time, this shift can also help your business meet environmental standards and boost its image, offering both financial and environmental advantages.

How can I make sure the non-toxic cleaning products I use are truly safe and effective?

To pick non-toxic cleaning products that are both safe and effective, start by checking for third-party certifications such as EPA's Safer Choice or EWG VERIFIED®. These labels indicate that the product meets strict safety and environmental guidelines.

Next, take a close look at the ingredient list. Choose products that fully disclose their ingredients, steering clear of vague terms like "fragrance" or "surfactant" unless they come with certification. Also, consider the product's pH level - aim for a range between 4 and 9.5 to ensure it's gentle on both surfaces and your skin. Focusing on transparency and reliable certifications can help you choose better, healthier cleaning options.

How can we track the benefits of switching to non-toxic cleaning in the office?

To understand how non-toxic cleaning impacts your office environment, begin by assessing baseline air quality metrics such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), CO2 levels, and particulate matter. Use indoor air quality sensors to gather real-time data and track changes over time. This approach allows you to spot trends and address any issues as they arise.

Involve your team by asking for feedback about their health and comfort. Many employees report fewer headaches, allergies, and respiratory problems when harsh chemicals are no longer part of the cleaning routine. To maintain these benefits, prioritize proper ventilation, replace air filters regularly, and stick to consistent, non-toxic cleaning practices. A cleaner space means a healthier, happier workplace.