Equipment
- Use vacuums approved by OGS and listed on the OGS Green Cleaning Product List.
- Voluntarily investigate the use and procurement of sanitary paper products (e.g. tissue paper and paper towels) that provide cost savings and are environmentally friendly. (LEED-EB IEQ 3.4-3.6)
- Consider using hand driers to reduce the use of paper product.
- Investigate the use of "No Touch" cleaning systems.
- Use pads and brushes to remove stains and heavily soiled areas.
- Use microfiber cloths and mops.
- Use a color-coded system for microfiber cloths and mop heads to eliminate cross-contamination. A color-coded system establishes different colored cloths for each restroom area (e.g., red cloths urinals and toilet).
Chemicals
- Use only cleaning products approved for use by OGS and listed on the OGS Green Cleaning Product List.
- Use disinfectants, only when necessary, that are registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Steps to conduct a search for disinfectants.
Under Pesticide Product Information and Products, click Search. Select the Advanced Search button and under Use/Type, click to select Pesticide Type: "Disinfectant."
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended dilution to eliminate product waste and reduce residual cleaner on surfaces.
Procedure
- Stress green cleaning before using a disinfectant or germicide, if necessary, in cleaning procedures.
- Clean bathrooms daily including all surfaces, urinals, toilets, and sinks.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as latex gloves.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using cleaning products.