Should You Offer Green Cleaning Services?

Why is green cleaning important?

Every type of business has some kind of environmental effect. A residential or commercial cleaning business is no different. Harsh chemicals, extra water usage, and paper or plastic waste are some of the environmental byproducts of traditional cleaning services.

“Green” or eco-friendly cleaning offers an alternative to standard methods. As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out, traditional products and methods can contribute to personal health risks, environmental hazards, and even toxic air pollution. 

Business owners can add specialized services in an attempt to reduce these risks and to appeal to clients who take a more active role in protecting the environment (and charge more for services). The global eco-friendly cleaning product market is valued at over 100 billion USD and is expected to grow to 232 billion by 2030.

Benefits of green cleaning services

In addition to reducing a corporate carbon footprint, eco-friendly cleaning services have many perks and benefits. Business owners can rest assured, knowing that they’re actively contributing to the following improvements.

Creating healthier indoor environments

Harsh chemicals and solutions can negatively impact indoor air quality. Eco-cleaning products, on the other hand, often use natural and non-toxic ingredients to reduce allergens, pollutants, and volatile compounds. This results in fewer respiratory illnesses, allergies, and skin irritations.

Earning a competitive advantage

Having an eco-friendly cleaning option on your services menu can attract environmentally-conscious clients.

Not only is this a unique selling point, but it may also increase customer loyalty and let you charge a higher price point.

Staying ahead of regulatory requirements

Local governments are moving towards stricter guidelines when it comes to hazardous chemicals and processes. By adapting early, your cleaning company can stay ahead of regulations and avoid potential fines or operational problems.

Maintaining positive press for your cleaning business

With eco-cleaning services, your business can showcase its commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. As the general public becomes increasingly concerned with environmental issues, eco-cleaners can improve their public image and reputation.

How to start a green cleaning business

When you’re ready to start your own cleaning business, there are several steps to take first. Not only is it helpful to plan for the basics (like cleaning supplies and uniforms), you’ll also want to think about “big picture” strategies for marketing and growth.

Whether you’re launching an eco-friendly company or simply adding green services to your existing business model, having a plan in place ensures long-term success. Here are a few steps to get up and running quickly.

• Review your cleaning supplies inventory. Go through your cleaning products and see which ones you can replace with green alternatives. You may be able to cut down on material costs if you can get multipurpose items, like a single green all-purpose cleaner.
• Shop around for the right green cleaning products. Talk to your cleaning product supplier and see which eco friendly products are available in your area. Always check ingredient lists and research interactions—chemical mixing is still a concern, even if you’re using synthetic alternatives.
• Test your new green cleaning products. On your own time, test your green supplies to see how they compare with your synthetic cleaning products. Your green products will need to get the same results within the same amount of time. You’ll also need to train cleaners to use these new supplies.
• Tell your clients about your new services. Make your clients aware of new service updates, especially if you’re raising your rates to accommodate the new products. They may also want to be sure that your green products will be as effective as the old synthetic chemicals.
• Make the switch to green cleaning practices. When it’s time to replace your existing synthetic products, start using green products. Remember, you might need to keep offering both green and synthetic products if not all of your clients want to switch.
• Get certified to clean green. It’s easy enough to claim you’re eco-friendly without backing it up. If your business is green certified, however, you’ll build an extra level of client trust. Make sure to include your green cleaning certification in your marketing materials, too.

Pro Tip: Want to be extra green? Donate a portion of your profits to environmental nonprofit groups, like those that pick up litter or clean watersheds. Clients might be more likely to work with you (or invest in higher service pricing) if they know that investment helps the environment.

What eco-friendly cleaning services should you offer?

Whether or not you become a green cleaning company exclusively depends on your clients and their needs, wants, and expectations. While some customers care deeply about environmentally friendly cleaning services, others might prefer traditional cleaning products and cleaning methods.

It’s always a good idea to ask your clients if they’d be interested. You can also poll your broader community to see which services might make the biggest difference in your business strategy. 

Take a look at these service options to get started.

1. Green residential cleaning

When it comes to homeowners, one in three people will choose a company based on how it helps people and the planet. These customers are also likely to appreciate the health benefits associated with a gentler product offering.

If you put your green cleaning philosophy front and center in your marketing materials, potential clients will notice. In fact, green house cleaning can be especially enticing to parents with young children, who might be extra conscious of what products are used inside their homes.

2. Green commercial cleaning

Some commercial clients actively look for a company that provides green office cleaning services. These clients could value sustainability, or they might even be required to use a certain product to meet local environmental standards.

For example, a medical office may still rely on traditional cleaning chemicals to ensure proper sanitization and to ensure that exam rooms are completely free of bacteria and viruses. As a general rule, always check with commercial clients before you switch to green cleaning products.

3. Green carpet cleaning

If carpet cleaning is one of your services, consider upgrading to green carpet cleaning or eco-friendly carpet solutions.

This approach is especially appealing to residential clients who have children or pets. Additionally, some clients may struggle with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. In these instances, synthetic carpet chemicals can do more harm than good.

Green carpet cleaning products are usually equal in performance to their synthetic counterparts.

How to market your green cleaning business

When marketing your new green cleaning services, emphasize the unique benefits and values that set your business apart. Check out these marketing ideas, and learn which platforms you can use to show them off.

Share personal health benefits

In your online ads and within your social media posts, tell clients how green products might make them feel physically and mentally. 

Advertise that your eco-friendly products can reduce allergens, toxins, and pollutants. Use phrases like “safe for children and pets. (For legal reasons, avoid making any specific health claims or promises.)

Highlight your eco-friendly credentials

In your Google Business profile, on your cleaning business website, and in print materials, place green certifications or badges you’ve earned. This step adds credibility and assures customers that you’re committed to eco-friendly practices according to industry standards.

Add customer testimonials

On social media and in video ads, feature testimonials from satisfied clients who can attest to the effectiveness of an eco-friendly approach. Real-life stories and positive experiences build trust with new clients while proving that a “green” approach really works.

Share educational tips

Create blog posts, graphics, and social media posts that educate your audience about green cleaning procedures. By taking the time to market with reliable content, you’ll become a knowledgeable leader in the eco-friendly cleaning industry.

Remember, if you’re starting a cleaning company or adding to your current services, going green doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Starting with small, environmentally friendly changes is a step in the right direction—and your clients might be thrilled to take that journey with you.