Does this situation sound familiar? Your home and office space need cleaning and you’re ready to hire a professional green cleaning service to maintain a clean, toxin-free environment on a regular schedule. Yes? Good thinking!
5 things to consider when hiring a green cleaning company:
1. Confirm only natural cleaning products will be used
A reputable green cleaning service, will use only all-natural products on the job. This is important because traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds ( VOCs), which can lead to serious illnesses, and even cancer. Natural products work just as effectively and use organic oils to enhance the aroma of the product instead of dangerous synthetic fragrances. This becomes a bigger concern if your home or office includes family members or employees that suffer from allergies or sensitive health issues. Ask what products will be used and research the ingredients. For example, we use Ecospirit, a proprietary brand of all natural products made without any chemicals.
2. Ensure that they practice what they preach
One of the biggest elements of the going green movement is eliminating waste, reducing landfills, and conserving. By choosing a cleaning company that uses green practices, you know that they are going to implement techniques that conserve electricity and water, and use resources wisely. Green cleaning companies know how to use reusable items when possible, make their own natural cleaning products, and use recycled or recyclable packaging materials
3. Require proof of insurance
As a potential client you have the right to request a copy of the workers comp and liability insurance certificates to confirm that the potential service company is adequately protected. Cleaners are employees—not cash workers—and as such they are insured against liability and injury, even if an accident were to happen on the job while they were in a home or an office. The insurance coverage they carry actually protects you as well as the employee. You don’t run the risk of being sued by a cleaner because, as an employee, they are protected by workers comp insurance. That should come as a relief if you don’t relish the thought of hiring a cheap cleaning service only to lose your home or business in a lawsuit.
4. Ask if they are licensed, bonded, and insured
New York state has strict restrictions about licensing businesses – especially when it comes to granting a license to a green cleaning service, which is why you should always confirm that the company is legally able to do business in New York before you give them access to your home or business. If your potential vendor is operating with an out-of-state license you may not be able to resolve any legal complications within the New York justice system. We recommend also checking The Better Business Bureau to conduct your own informal background check on any business you’re thinking of hiring.
5. Understand the difference between cash workers and employees
You have the right to request to see a background check for any cleaning technician who will be granted access to your home or office. Here is the important difference between cash workers and employees: Cash workers are forced to work without earning a living wage or workers comp protection, which ultimately dooms them to become a burden on tax payers and their families. Employees are paid a living wage and protected with adequate insurance. Ultimately, our communities and collective quality of life hinges on the proliferation of underserved workers versus those who work with companies that hold themselves accountable for their staff.
We offer a variety of service plans from regular maintenance to pre-and-post party clean-ups for homes and businesses. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.