Ultimate Comparison Between Traditional Products and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Agents: A Practical Case Study
In this article
Abstract
As environmental awareness grows, the demand for eco-friendly and green cleaners has surged, particularly among professional cleaners in Perth. This study compares the effectiveness of three popular eco-friendly cleaning products—Koh Universal Cleaner, Green Care All-Purpose Surface Spray, and Ecostore Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Cleaner Citrus—against traditional cleaning products such as Ajax Spray and Wipe, Pine Clean Disinfectant, and Dettol Spray and Wipe. Conducted in Perth homes over one month, the study evaluates customer satisfaction, cleaning efficiency, overall cleanliness, and the ability to remove stubborn stains. Results indicate that while green cleaners offer benefits like reduced chemical residues and minimal odors, traditional cleaners excel in efficiency and ease of use. This study provides insights into the practicality of adopting eco-friendly cleaners in both residential and professional cleaning services in Perth.
Introduction
In recent years, the shift towards using eco-friendly and green cleaners has gained momentum, driven by increasing environmental concerns and health consciousness. Traditional cleaning products, often laden with harsh chemicals, pose risks to both human health and the environment, including respiratory issues, skin irritations, and pollution. Eco-friendly cleaners, on the other hand, promise to address these concerns by using natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic ingredients. Discover detail health impacts and benefits here.
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of selected eco-friendly cleaning products compared to traditional cleaners. The study focuses on their application in both household settings and by professional cleaners in Perth. By examining customer satisfaction, cleaning efficiency, and environmental impact, the study offers valuable insights into the feasibility and benefits of using green cleaners in everyday cleaning tasks.
Materials and Methods
Selection of Cleaning Products
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products:
- Koh Universal Cleaner
- Ingredients: Formulated with potassium hydroxide (<0.5%) and purified water, this cleaner is eco-certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia, allergy-friendly, approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice™ program, vegan, and cruelty-free. It is safe for use on all surfaces and non-corrosive.
- Green Care All-Purpose Surface Spray
- Ingredients: Plant-based enzymes. Detailed ingredient information is not publicly available, even in the safety data sheet. The product is plant-based, vegan-friendly, and biodegradable, suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including floors, walls, glass, stainless steel, tiles, grills, BBQs, range hoods, and rubbish bins.
- Ecostore Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Cleaner Citrus
- Ingredients: Comprised of plant-based components such as Aqua (>60%), Citric Acid (<10%), Decyl Glucoside (<10%), Lauryl Glucoside (<10%), Benzyl Alcohol (<10%), Dehydroacetic Acid (<10%), and Limonene (<10%). It is designed for hard household surfaces to effectively remove oil, food, dust, and dirt.
Traditional Cleaning Products:
- Ajax Spray and Wipe
- Pine Clean Disinfectant
- Dettol Spray and Wipe
- Applications: Suitable for all kinds of hard surfaces, non-corrosive, mildly acidic, and safe for use in food preparation areas such as cooktops and microwaves.
Selection Rationale: A survey of 100 households in Australia revealed that 70% of families using green products preferred the selected eco-friendly cleaners for general cleaning purposes. The traditional products chosen are widely used and represent standard cleaning solutions in many households and by professional cleaners in Perth.
Experimental Design
Study Premises:
- Location: Various homes in Perth, Australia.
- Duration: One month per product, with weekly cleaning sessions, totaling four cleans per house per product.
- Personnel: The same professional cleaners in Perth performed all cleaning tasks to maintain consistency.
- Product Usage: Each cleaner was provided with 4 liters of each product, used undiluted as per manufacturer instructions.
Methodology:
- Each eco-friendly and traditional product was tested separately in the same properties over different months.
- Cleaners followed standard cleaning protocols across all sessions.
- Customers were unaware of the specific cleaning products being used during the study to prevent bias in feedback.
Evaluation Criteria
Customer Satisfaction:
- Feedback was collected randomly from customers at the end of each product testing period.
- Parameters included overall satisfaction and any noticeable differences in cleanliness or odor.
Cleaning Efficiency:
- Cleaners reported on the ease of cleaning tasks, time taken, and effort required with each product.
Overall Cleanliness:
- Assessment of the general appearance and cleanliness of the house after each month-long testing period.
Removal of Stubborn Stains:
- Evaluation of each product’s effectiveness in removing tough stains, grease, and grime.
Results
Customer Satisfaction
- Overall Satisfaction:
- Customers reported similar levels of satisfaction after cleans with both eco-friendly and traditional products.
- No significant differences were noted in the perceived cleanliness of their homes.
- Odor Perception:
- Traditional cleaning products left a more prolonged and stronger odor post-cleaning.
- Eco-friendly products resulted in minimal to no residual odor, which some customers found more pleasant.
Cleaning Efficiency
- Eco-Friendly Products:
- Cleaners reported that eco-friendly products required more manual effort, particularly when dealing with grease and stubborn stains.
- Cleaning tasks generally took longer to complete compared to traditional products.
- Traditional Products:
- Demonstrated higher efficiency, with cleaners noting easier removal of dirt and grease.
- Required less physical effort and time to achieve desired cleanliness levels.
Overall Cleanliness
- Both categories of products achieved comparable results in terms of the general cleanliness and appearance of the homes after each cleaning session and over the month-long period.
Removal of Stubborn Stains
- Traditional Products:
- More effective in removing tough stains and grease with minimal effort.
- Eco-Friendly Products:
- Less effective on stubborn stains, necessitating additional scrubbing and repeated application in some cases.
Discussion
The study offers a detailed comparison between eco-friendly, green cleaners, and traditional cleaning products:
Advantages of Eco-Friendly Products
- Health Benefits:
- Reduced exposure to harsh chemicals lowers the risk of respiratory issues, skin irritations, and allergic reactions.
- Minimal residual odors contribute to better indoor air quality.
- Environmental Impact:
- Biodegradable and plant-based ingredients minimize environmental pollution.
- Certifications and eco-labels ensure adherence to sustainability standards.
- Ethical Considerations:
- Products like Koh Universal Cleaner and Green Care are vegan and not tested on animals, aligning with ethical consumer choices.
Disadvantages of Eco-Friendly Products
- Cleaning Efficiency:
- Generally less effective in tackling heavy-duty cleaning tasks and stubborn stains.
- Require more time and physical effort, potentially reducing overall efficiency.
- Cost Implications:
- Eco-friendly products are often more expensive than their traditional counterparts.
- Increased usage and effort may lead to higher operational costs, particularly for professional cleaners in Perth.
Implications for Households
For individual households, especially those with health sensitivities or environmental concerns, the benefits of using eco-friendly products may outweigh the drawbacks. The slightly reduced efficiency can be manageable in regular cleaning scenarios, and the health and environmental advantages are significant.
Implications for Professional Cleaners in Perth
Professional cleaners in Perth face the challenge of balancing efficiency, cost, and customer preferences:
- Operational Efficiency:
- The additional time and effort required when using eco-friendly products can affect productivity and service delivery schedules.
- Cost Competitiveness:
- Higher product costs and potential labor expenses may necessitate increased service pricing, impacting competitiveness in the market.
- Market Demand:
- Growing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable practices may create niche markets for eco-friendly cleaning services despite higher costs.
- Hybrid Approaches:
- Incorporating eco-friendly products for certain tasks while retaining traditional products for heavy-duty cleaning could offer a balanced solution.
Limitations of the Study
- Sample Size and Duration:
- The study was limited to a specific geographic area and a small sample size over a short period.
- Product Variability:
- The performance of products can vary based on numerous factors, including surface types, dirt levels, and application methods.
- Lack of Detailed Ingredient Information:
- Incomplete disclosure of ingredients, particularly for Green Care All-Purpose Surface Spray, limits comprehensive health and environmental impact assessments.
Recommendations for Future Research
- Extended Studies:
- Longer-term studies across diverse settings and larger sample sizes to validate and expand upon these findings.
- Comprehensive Impact Analysis:
- Detailed evaluation of health impacts through air quality measurements and user health monitoring.
- Cost-Benefit Studies:
- Analysis of the economic implications for both households and professional services when switching to eco-friendly products.
- Development of Enhanced Eco-Friendly Products:
- Encouraging innovation in the formulation of eco-friendly cleaners to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Conclusion
The transition toward eco-friendly and green cleaners is a reflection of the broader societal shift towards prioritizing health and environmental sustainability. This study demonstrates that while eco-friendly cleaners offer significant benefits in reducing chemical exposure and environmental impact, they currently lag behind traditional products in terms of cleaning efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
For individual households, especially those concerned with health and ecological footprints, eco-friendly products present a viable and responsible choice. However, for professional cleaners in Perth, the adoption of such products may pose operational and economic challenges unless advancements in product formulations bridge the efficiency gap.
References:
- https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Health%20Issues%20and%20Environmental%20Impact%20of%20Cleaning%20Agents-189.pdf
- https://powerhygiene.com/wp-content/uploads/Power-Hygiene-Green-Cleaning-For-The-Future-Guide-Ebook-compressed.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOorMPb5ALF_VfeMRxEHVkN3jUhecor9fW7MP4mtOn8L_6ioMnj0X
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976595/
- https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/identifying-greener-cleaning-products