If you're interested in offering green cleaning services, then the equipment you use must also be considered. The information below is taken from GS-42 Green Seal Environmental Standard, First Edition, Sept. 1, 2006:

• Vaccum cleaners must meet, at a minimum, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Program requirements and shall operate at a sound level of less than 70 dBA.

• Carpet extraction equipment must meet at a minimum the Carpet and Rug Institute Bronze Seal of Approval.

• Powered floor maintenance equipment must be equipped with controls or other devices for capturing and collecting particulates and shall operate at a sound level less than 70 dBA.

• Propane-powered floor equipment must have low-emission engines.

• Current in-use propane-powered equipment may only be used when the building is unoccupied, and under conditions allowing for as much air circulation and exchange as possible.

• Powered scrubbing machines must be equipped with a control method for variable rate dispensing to optimize the use of cleaning fluids.

As you can see, there is a lot more to green cleaning than just using green chemicals. When buying new equipment or replacing old equipment, consider the above Standard before making your choice.

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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.