Why choose Green Cleaning?

We clean so that we can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment where we can live, work, and thrive! Why, then, would we add invisible toxins to that safe, comfortable, healthy environment? Why exchange one problem for another when it is unnecessary to do so? I believe the better question is: Why not choose green cleaning?

What is Green Cleaning?

Green cleaning includes products that are healthier/less harmful for you and the environment. Green products contain natural fragrances (or no fragrances at all) and are free of ingredients known to be carcinogenic or endocrine-interrupting. With products that we use at Christie’s Cleaning, your health and the health of your family, pets, and customers is less likely to be negatively impacted than it would be around non-green, more toxic products.

As much as reasonably possible, while also maintaining an affordable, efficient, and safe cleaning process for our clients, we purpose to reduce waste and use methods and supplies that reduce impact on the Environment. We keep our eye out for biodegradable, recyclable, and sustainable products so that we can incorporate those into our routines.

Are the products you use really non-toxic?

It is never possible to guarantee zero toxicity. The level of exposure to a particular substance may be completely safe for one organism, while the same level of exposure to that substance may be harmful for another organism. It is also impossible to guarantee that the tools we use or bottles that hold cleaning solutions will never be made of plastics. (Microplastics are toxic, and the method of manufacturing plastics is toxic. Avoiding all plastic would be too cumbersome an expectation.) We do our best and will continue to learn; there is always room for improvement.

Is your cleaning effective? Do the products kill germs?

The short answer to both of these questions is yes. We can effectively remove visible surface dirt as effectively as any other cleaning company (dust, hair, grease, grime, etc.). If we encounter a situation where we are limited, we will inform our clients (preferably prior to services during a walkthrough).

There are natural products considered green and less toxic that we use to eliminate “germs” (bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds). What needs to be considered, however, is whether or not the germ-fighting products or methods are safe for the surface one wishes to disinfect. Many disinfectants (natural or otherwise) are acidic and not recommended for sensitive surfaces. It is our job as professionals to be aware of this and sanitize with a method that is for the surface. We can often use quality microfiber along with water or a ph neutral cleaner to mechanically lift and wash away germs as much as reasonably possible in such cases.

I don’t have sensitivities and do not care about green cleaning. Will you still clean for me?

Absolutely! We clean for everyone, not just those with chemical sensitivities.

What products do you use?

I have found that quality microfiber which will mechanically lift/remove dirt and germs from surfaces is vital to any eco-friendly cleaning arsenal. My go-to choices for microfiber are Norwex and E-Cloth brands. As a spray cleaner, the brand I trust most and use as a base is Branch Basics. For disinfecting, I will generally use eco-friendly products that contain thymol or rubbing alcohol. Other methods of cleaning may include steam, natural abrasives such as baking soda, essential oils, vinegar, very fine steel wool (that will not scratch), and many types of scrub brushes. We have recently added biodegradable gloves and trash bags and bamboo consumables to be used where necessary. These and other safe, yet effective, products are what you will find in our cleaning kits.

Some of our clients simply want things clean and are not concerned about eco-friendly products and methods. Some will request a particular cleaning product be used that I would not normally carry. If I determine that the product will not negatively affect my health (or the health of my team) in a significant way, I may choose to comply with the client’s request.

Do you tidy up, or do I need to pick up before you clean?

This depends on your cleaning package! Tidying, decluttering, and maid services are separate services for an additional price. We can help with clutter management as an add-on service, if this is what you desire. To guarantee we will have the time on the schedule and to provide you with the most affordable cleaning package, we recommend putting away as much as you reasonably can so that surfaces can be cleaned quickly and efficiently.