April 22nd, 2019

Today we all need to be more aware of our impact on the environment. That includes vacation rental properties and as a vacation rental property management company, you have the ability to do your part.

Switching over to natural, environmentally cleaning products is not only a smart business decision, but it is also better for your customers, and from a business standpoint, it’s a great differentiator that can put your properties steps ahead of your competition with eco-conscious guests.

Many cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds which when inhaled or touched can cause harm. Using environmentally friendly cleaning products is much better for your visitors, they can reduce your company’s environmental impact.

To celebrate Earth Day, let’s look at some of the benefits you’ll enjoy by switching your housekeeping staff over to using environmentally friendly products, and some of the green products you can use in every room of the house!

The Benefits of Green, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Using green products is much easier on the environment than traditional cleaning products. They can help lessen water pollution, air pollution, and on a higher level, climate change and ozone depletion. Green products promote recycling reducing the use of raw materials.

In terms of your guest’s health, green products will improve the indoor air quality, lowering the health risks that traditional cleaning products can hold. Studies have shown that green products can reduce issues like eye, respiratory and skin burns and irritation, allergies, headaches, and nausea.

As an added benefit, many green cleaning products actually cost less when compared to traditional products. Green products use natural ingredients, clean just as well as chemical-heavy products, and will not just benefit your property and your guests, but will also reduce toxins and pollutants in the environment.

Overview of Green Cleaning Products

Today, you have choices for eco-friendly cleaning products for almost every job. From scent and dye free, low phosphate laundry detergent for linens and towels, to natural tub and tile cleaners, you can begin to replace your traditional cleaning products for every job.

Traditional household cleaners rely on chemicals like bleach or ammonia to clean and disinfect. Eco-friendly cleaners use citrus -based solvents, vinegar, essential oils, and natural abrasives to clean and disinfect without harmful chemicals.

At the bare minimum, you should have a good all-purpose cleaner and a good glass cleaner. You may also want to have a specialty toilet- bowl or tub and tile cleaner as well. To be truly green, look for products that offer minimal packaging, or cleaners that can be refilled from concentrate to cut down on packaging waste.

Read The Label!

Today, many products are jumping on the eco-train. You’ll see a lot of products labeled “green, “ “eco-friendly,” or “biodegradable” on the label. These are often marketing terms that have little to do with the product. Look for EPA “Design for the Environment” or DtE certification, or look for “Green Seal” certification for the strictest eco-friendly standards. Certification is still voluntary, so some green products may carry no certification but are still safe and effective. Read the label to make sure!

Let your guests know that you use environmentally friendly, healthier green cleaning products. In fact, you can even create an all-natural welcome basket that can include natural soaps, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, or even dishwashing liquid, and reusable or natural paper towels in the unit. Using natural cleaning products is a smart business decision that your guests will appreciate. Switching your housekeeping staff over to green cleaning products is not only environmentally friendly and healthier for your cleaning staff, but it’s guest friendly too!