7 Tips for Better Cleaning with Less CO₂
Across the UK, businesses are expected to lower their carbon footprint. Cleaning is a simple area to start. It runs daily, often uses large volumes of products, and can create hidden emissions.
By switching to better methods, you can cut CO₂ without lowering hygiene. It also helps you meet health and safety standards and show your commitment to the environment. Moreover, greener cleaning often reduces costs and waste over time. Whether you manage an office, shop or large facility, small changes can lead to real results.
1. Switch to Concentrated Cleaning Products
Concentrated products are a smart way to reduce CO₂ emissions. They use less water, which means less packaging and lighter transport. This lowers emissions from production and delivery.
Additionally, they take up less space in storage. You get more cleaning power per bottle and fewer deliveries across the year. That means fewer vans on the road and lower costs for your business. For best results, choose trusted brands and use with refillable bottles where possible.
2. Use Refillable Spray Bottles
Refillable bottles help cut down on single-use plastic. They also reduce how often you need to order supplies. That means less packaging, fewer deliveries and lower carbon emissions.
Moreover, switching to refills makes stock control easier. Staff can refill on site, which saves time and cuts waste. Many businesses now pair refillable bottles with concentrated products for even greater impact. It’s a simple change with long-term benefits.
3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment
Outdated cleaning machines often use more energy than needed. By upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, you can lower both your emissions and running costs. Newer models are designed to clean better while using less power.
Additionally, many modern machines come with auto shut-off features and low-energy modes. These small upgrades help reduce your overall energy use. Over time, the savings can cover the cost of the investment. For businesses with daily cleaning needs, the impact adds up quickly.
4. Train Staff on Smarter Usage
Even the best products and equipment won’t save carbon if they’re used incorrectly. Overusing chemicals or water leads to waste and higher emissions. Regular staff training helps avoid this.
Therefore, keep instructions clear and easy to follow. Show teams how to use the right amount of product and when to switch off machines. Additionally, short refresher sessions can keep standards high and reduce mistakes. A well-informed team supports both your cleaning goals and your carbon goals.
5. Ditch Aerosols and High-VOC Products
Aerosol sprays and products with high VOCs (volatile organic compounds) release harmful substances into the air. These contribute to both indoor air pollution and CO₂ emissions. Replacing them is a quick win for any business.
Instead, use pump sprays or low-VOC alternatives. These are safer for staff and better for the environment. Additionally, switching to safer products supports your health and safety standards and shows a clear commitment to cleaner practices.
Clean with Cold Water Where Possible
Using cold water for cleaning cuts energy use significantly. Many modern cleaning products work well without hot water. This simple change can lower your energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Moreover, cold-water cleaning speeds up the process in some cases. It also reduces the risk of burns or damage to surfaces. Therefore, whenever possible, choose products designed for cold water to improve both efficiency and sustainability.
7. Optimise Your Order Schedule
Frequent small orders mean more delivery trips and higher carbon emissions. Planning your stock carefully lets you order in bulk and reduce transport impact. This approach also cuts costs and avoids last-minute shortages.
For practical tips on how to avoid stock shortages while ordering smarter, check out our detailed guide:
Avoiding Stock Shortages: Order Better, Cut CO₂.
Following these steps will keep your supplies steady and lower your environmental impact.
Need Greener Supplies? We’ve Got You Covered
Looking to cut your cleaning carbon footprint? Our shop stocks a wide range of eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment designed for UK businesses. From concentrated solutions and refillable bottles to energy-efficient machines, we offer quality options that meet health and safety standards.
Plus, our team is ready to help you find the right products for your needs. Whether you want to improve workplace hygiene or meet compliance goals, we provide expert advice and reliable supply.
Visit our shop or contact us today to start making your cleaning greener and more efficient.
Key Takeaways
Cleaning is a simple way to reduce your business’s carbon footprint.
Choose concentrated products and refillable bottles to cut waste and transport emissions.
Invest in energy-efficient equipment to lower running costs and reduce CO₂.
Train staff to use products and machines correctly to avoid waste.
Replace aerosols with safer, low-VOC alternatives for better air quality and less impact.
Use cold water when possible to save energy.
Plan orders carefully to reduce delivery trips and avoid stock shortages.
By making these simple changes, your business will not only maintain a clean and safe environment but also take meaningful steps toward a greener future.