Please note: I no longer offer cleaning services as described on this site. I’ll be changing those pages to reflect my newer services I’m testing out: Health-Based Cleaning Consultant, and Healthy Home Concierge.
Read on, about health-based cleaning. And thanks for your patience!
— Regina
Sick of cleaning?
Did you know— over 80,000 modern chemicals are in use today, but most have never been fully tested. Many of these chemicals are in everyday consumer products, like cleaners, that can pollute our indoor air. Learn more…
Health-based cleaning can help
I owned and operated a successful residential cleaning service specializing in allergies and asthma. This was among the first of its kind, being virtually toxic-free*.
But what’s health-based cleaning? Informed by years in the industry, and extensive research into healthy homes and professional methods, here’s my approach.
Health-based cleaning is a holistic approach that protects health, with the least impact on the environment. At its core it combines effective methods with the least-toxic products that work. And simple preventive measures.
In real life, here’s what that looks like.
Controlling germs by keeping surfaces clean and dry. This creates conditions hostile to germs. And disinfecting selectively. Plus opening windows when safe to do so, bringing in air purifiers as needed.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job as needed. That means respirators, gloves, ear plugs, knee pads and more.
Using the simplest, least-toxic products that work— with efficient tools and processes. Go with multi-purpose vs specialized products, when possible, to reduce costly waste.
Reducing airborne dust, using a damp cloth vs dry duster. And a vacuum vs broom. Also ventilating. When buying a new vacuum, go with true HEPA and sealed dust compartments.
Practicing preventive measures to simplify the job. For example, use entry mats to minimize tracked-in dirt; and leave shoes at the door. And clear out clutter to streamline cleaning. In the kitchen, “clean as you go”, because spills are easiest to wipe when fresh.
Eliminating toxic exposures throughout the home— to protect residents along with hired cleaning help. That means handling and storing toxics safely. And gradually replacing toxics with healthier alternatives.
Please note: An official health-based cleaning standard may be in development, driven by businesses, non-profits and government. This would be in addition to pandemic-related measures.
Use the simplest, least-toxic products that work. Starting with the basics.
For simple cleanups, keep pure castile soap, vinegar and baking soda handy. These are among the safest products— even for school-age kids to use, with adult supervision. Here are their best uses.
Some brands of castile soap and vinegar contain organic ingredients, like Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap and Spectrum Organic White Vinegar.
Use the simplest tools that work. And that reduce costly waste.
Thanks to client Elaine Wherry at Dandelion Chocolate for introducing me to these machine-washable bamboo wipes (on dispenser). We both use them constantly, along with our cotton towels. Bye-bye to shopping endlessly for paper towels!
Health-based cleaning for our furry friends too.
Sophie, my Cat Supervisor, assessed all new products I brought into her house. Including this pine-based litter brand I had her try, to help with her symptoms of Feline Asthma.
Accepted! Sophie’s asthma symptoms seemed to improve. Of course, other factors could have been at work.
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