Green Cleaning Services: What to Look For

Updated March 28, 2026 • 8 min read • By National Cleaner Connect

The green cleaning industry has exploded — but so has greenwashing. Many cleaning companies slap "eco-friendly" on their website without changing a single product. Here's how to evaluate whether a cleaning service is genuinely green or just marketing.

What Does "Green Cleaning" Actually Mean?

Green cleaning refers to practices that prioritize human health and environmental sustainability: using products free of toxic chemicals (VOCs, phthalates, chlorine, ammonia), reducing water and energy usage, using sustainable packaging and refill systems, and minimizing waste. A truly green cleaning service considers the full environmental impact — not just whether the bottle has a leaf on it.

Certifications That Matter

• EPA Safer Choice: Products meet EPA's rigorous health and environmental criteria — the gold standard
• Green Seal: Independent certification for both products and cleaning services. GS-42 is the standard for commercial/residential cleaning
• EWG Verified: Environmental Working Group verifies products meet strict health standards
• USDA BioPreferred: Products made from renewable biological resources
• Leaping Bunny: Cruelty-free certification (no animal testing)

Ingredients to Avoid

Ask your cleaning service what's in their products. Red flags include:

• Phthalates — endocrine disruptors found in many fragranced products
• Triclosan — antimicrobial linked to hormone disruption
• Chlorine bleach — respiratory irritant
• 2-Butoxyethanol — common in glass cleaners, damages liver and kidneys
• "Fragrance" (undisclosed) — can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals

Questions to Ask a Green Cleaning Service

1. What specific products do you use? (They should name brands and list ingredients)
2. Do you carry certifications (Green Seal, EPA Safer Choice)?
3. Do you use microfiber cloths instead of disposable wipes?
4. How do you handle disinfection — hydrogen peroxide-based vs. chlorine-based?
5. Do you use concentrated refillable products or single-use plastic bottles?
6. Can you accommodate specific ingredient sensitivities?

Does Green Cleaning Cost More?

Expect 10–20% more for genuinely green cleaning services. The premium comes from higher-quality products and sometimes more labor-intensive methods. However, many clients find the health benefits — especially for families with allergies, asthma, or young children — well worth the modest premium.

Trusted Green Cleaning Brands

• Seventh Generation — EPA Safer Choice certified
• Method — Cradle to Cradle certified
• ECOS — EPA Safer Choice, carbon neutral
• Biokleen — plant and mineral-based
• Branch Basics — one concentrate for all cleaning

Find verified green cleaning services near you in the National Cleaner Connect directory.