Unlike many competitors following the general move towards "green" cleaning due to demands for environmentally sustainable systems, RealClean was literally founded with environmental concerns in mind. Not because it was fashionable, but because it is the right thing to do.
Our Environmental Commitment
This means that we have not had to go through the difficulties associated with retraining and re-educating cleaners accustomed to traditional cleaning methods, who often have a mindset of "the more chemicals used, the better the result."
Some products are marketed as "green", when in fact they are not. RealClean′s entire regular cleaning operations are focused on being chemical free. This means that our clients enjoy a non–toxic workplace, resulting in increased productivity of staff, fewer sick days, and a better company climate overall.
Instead of chemicals we use mainly microfibre and steam vapour:
Microfibre cleaning systems
promote human and environmental health. Chemicals are not necessary,
improving indoor air quality and avoiding harmful residues.
Microfibre is made from thousands of tiny fibres.
These act like tiny hooks that absorb dirt and moisture
and lock it away, rather than pushing it around the surface. Microfibre attracts and
holds particles using static action when dry
and capillary action when damp.
Steam vapour machines generate steam to soften grease and oils that make
soil stick to surfaces. The steam also gets into hard-to-clean areas:
sliding door tracks, window sills, toilet bowl rims, plugholes and drains.
There is no need to use chemicals in the cleaning process - the heat does the cleaning.
Superheated steam systems use little water because the vapour
contains less than 6% moisture.
Occasionally we are confronted by soiling that is just too heavy to be removed by microfibre. When we must use chemicals we use, where possible, enzymatic, natural (citrus-based) or bio–degradable products made from renewable resources, with few or no volatile organic compounds.
Other initiatives we use to protect the environment include:
For your business:
- We can set up and maintain a non–profit ⁄ subsidised recycling system for your site.
- Our cleaners are trained with a focus on energy and water–saving strategies .
- RealClean′s "Work Smart" methods are all about finding, containing and then carefully disposing of unwanted substances.
- We offer the option of recycled paper consumables, such as toilet paper or hand towels, and only use non–toxic, biodegradable rubbish bags.
In our operations:
- We minimise waste by re–using or recycling materials, including packaging. Chemical and soap containers are returned to base for refilling.
- Within our industry the use of strong chemicals is sometimes unavoidable. Keeping their use to a minimum is priority number one. The second is the correct disposal of chemical waste. We also have a company policy of using only degradable plastic rubbish bags for all standard sizes.
- Our fleet vehicles are serviced regularly to ensure optimum fuel efficiency. Paint protection coating allows for washing vehicles using only water so that detergents don′t enter the storm–water system.
- Stock and cleaning products are purchased in bulk, cutting down on transport and packaging.
- We use energy–efficient lighting in our offices and switch off unnecessary lighting.
- All office equipment is switched off at the wall when people leave the office. Hibernate times are set to 10 minutes on computers.
- Our risk management programme considers the environmental impact of our systems and practices.
