Green Cleaning Solutions for Commercial Properties: A Smart Move Toward Sustainability

As a commercial property manager, your day is often a balancing act—ensuring tenant satisfaction, managing vendors, staying within budget, and thinking ahead to keep your properties operating efficiently and sustainably. Whether you’re overseeing a retail center, office complex, or educational facility, you’ve likely got your hands full. But there’s one area that quietly influences everything from tenant experience to long-term costs—and it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: your sustainable commercial cleaning practices.

More specifically, we're talking about green cleaning.

Now, green cleaning might sound like a trendy buzzword, but in reality, it’s one of the most practical and forward-thinking strategies you can implement in your commercial maintenance plan. It’s about more than just using products labeled “natural” or “eco-friendly.” True green cleaning involves a comprehensive shift toward healthier, safer, and more environmentally responsible cleaning solutions—from the chemicals you use to the techniques your team follows.

Why does this matter to you as a commercial property manager? Because the benefits go far beyond a sparkling surface. Green cleaning improves indoor air quality, which directly affects the health and comfort of your tenants and employees. It minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals, which can reduce liability, health risks and complaints. And it often results in cost savings through reduced waste, lower water and energy usage, and longer-lasting supplies.

Moreover, sustainability is no longer just a “nice-to-have” feature. Many tenants—especially those in corporate offices, educational institutions, and medical facilities—are actively looking for properties that align with their environmental values. By embracing green cleaning, you’re showing that your property is modern, health-conscious, and committed to doing the right thing for both people and the planet.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of green cleaning and what makes it so effective for commercial properties. We’ll cover essential eco-friendly products, smart tools, and sustainable cleaning techniques that can be easily integrated into your daily operations. You’ll also learn how to choose the right partners, implement staff training, and communicate your efforts to tenants. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to enhance your current program, you’ll discover how to make green cleaning a valuable and lasting part of your overall maintenance strategy.

What Is Green Cleaning—And Why Should Commercial Property Managers Care?

At its core, green cleaning refers to the use of cleaning products and practices that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. This includes using biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning agents, reducing water and energy consumption, and implementing waste-reducing strategies.

But this isn’t just about being eco-conscious. Green cleaning benefits your tenants, your staff, your building—and your budget. Here’s how:

• Improved indoor air quality = healthier, happier occupants

• Non-toxic products = safer for cleaning staff and tenants

• Reduced waste and energy use = lower utility and supply costs

• Eco-certifications = potential for higher property value and lease appeal

For commercial properties—especially offices, schools, medical facilities, and retail centers—these benefits are essential.

Essential Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products and Supplies

Let’s start with the basics: 

1. Green Certified Cleaning Products

Look for labels from trusted third-party certifiers:

• Green Seal

• EcoLogo (UL Environment)

• Safer Choice (EPA)

These certifications ensure products meet strict standards for environmental safety, effectiveness, and health impact.

Avoid products with:

• Ammonia

• Bleach

• Phthalates

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Instead, choose plant-based or biodegradable cleaners that won’t linger in the air or water supply.

2. Microfiber Cleaning Tools

Microfiber cloths and mop heads aren’t just reusable—they’re more effective.

• They require less water and fewer chemicals

• Trap dust and microbes better than cotton

• Last longer, reducing waste and replacement costs

Pro tip: Use color-coded cloths to avoid cross-contamination between areas like restrooms and break rooms.

3. HEPA Filter Vacuums

Vacuuming is about more than just appearance. HEPA-filter vacuums capture fine particles, dust, and allergens—especially critical in high-traffic or health-sensitive environments.

Look for models certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label program.

Green Cleaning Techniques That Make a Difference

It’s not just about what you use—but it’s also how you clean.

1. Use the Right Amount of Product

More isn't always better. Overusing chemicals wastes money and often leaves residue behind. Train your team to use dilution systems or pre-measured pods to avoid over-application.

2. Adopt a Cleaning Schedule

Consistent cleaning keeps dirt and germs from building up—reducing the need for harsh "deep cleans." Focus on high-touch areas (doorknobs, elevator buttons, restrooms) and develop checklists by zone.

3. Steam Cleaning

Steam is a powerful, chemical-free way to disinfect surfaces. It uses only water and heat, and is especially effective on tile, grout, and kitchen surfaces.

4. Daytime Cleaning

Shifting cleaning to daylight hours saves on electricity, improves safety for cleaners, and offers visibility into the process—making tenants feel more confident about building cleanliness.

Making Green Cleaning a Part of Your Daily Operations

Transitioning to a greener approach doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s how to roll out a plan that works:

1. Audit Your Current Cleaning Program

Start with a baseline. What products are being used? How much water and electricity does your team consume? Where can you reduce waste or switch to safer products?

Consider a walkthrough with your commercial janitorial team or commercial maintenance provider to identify gaps.

2. Work With a Green Cleaning Vendor

Not all cleaning services are created equal. Your commercial maintenance provider should offer green cleaning practices and carry certifications like:

• ISSA CIMS-GB (Green Building)

• LEED Janitorial Service Compliant

Ask for references and sample product lists to verify green credentials.

3. Communicate With Tenants

Your tenants care about cleanliness and sustainability. Let them know you’re going green. Use signs, newsletters, or tenant portals to share what’s being done—and why it matters.

This builds trust, boosts tenant retention, and helps position your commercial property as a forward-thinking space.

Case Study: A Greener Office Complex in Action

Let’s look at a real-world example.

A 150,000-square-foot office park in Southern California transitioned to a green cleaning program in over 12 months. They replaced all conventional products with Green Seal-certified alternatives, upgraded to microfiber mops and cloths, and installed dilution control systems.

Results:

• Cut chemical purchases by 40%

• Reduced custodial injuries by 25%

• Improved indoor air quality (fewer complaints from tenants)

• Gained LEED-EBOM points (Existing Building Operations & Maintenance)

Bottom line: the switch paid for itself within the first year.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Green cleaning makes sense—but it’s not always a smooth ride. Here’s how to get ahead of potential obstacles:

Obstacle #1: Higher Product Costs

Yes, some green cleaners cost more upfront, however:

• Cleaners are more concentrated = longer-lasting

• Reduced health claims and liability = fewer HR headaches

• Less water/energy use = lower utility bills

Obstacle #2: Product Availability

If you're in a rural or smaller market, finding eco-certified products may be tough. 

Solutions:

• Partner with a supplier that specializes in sustainable products

• Purchase in bulk or through national accounts

• Work with online vendors who offer eco-friendly catalogs

Obstacle #3: Resistance to Change

Whether it's your staff or your tenants, some people prefer the “old way.” 

Address concerns by:

• Explaining the why behind the switch

• Providing side-by-side comparisons of results

• Offering short training refreshers and positive reinforcement

What’s Next? Future Trends in Green Cleaning

Sustainability in cleaning is just getting started. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Electrolyzed water systems: On-site machines that convert water and salt into effective disinfectants—zero chemicals involved.

• Robotic cleaning machines: Autonomous scrubbers that save energy and work overnight with low environmental impact.

• Data-driven cleaning: Smart sensors that track restroom or hallway usage to optimize cleaning frequency (instead of set schedules).

• Biodegradable packaging: Cleaning products packaged in dissolvable or compostable containers to reduce plastic waste.

These innovations will make green cleaning even more efficient—and easier to scale across multiple commercial properties.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact

Switching to green cleaning solutions isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making steady, intentional progress. For many commercial property managers, the idea of overhauling an entire cleaning program can feel overwhelming at first. But the truth is, you don’t have to do everything at once. Even small, incremental changes can create a ripple effect that leads to healthier buildings, happier tenants, and long-term savings.

Start by identifying one or two areas where you can make a simple switch—maybe replacing a traditional glass cleaner with a plant-based cleaner, introducing microfiber cloths to reduce waste and chemical use, or training your janitorial team on safer product handling and environmentally responsible practices. These changes may seem minor, but over time they contribute to a cleaner, safer indoor environment and a reduced environmental impact.

For commercial property managers, green cleaning is more than just a trend. It’s a smart, strategic move that reduces liability by lowering exposure to harsh chemicals, improves indoor air quality, and can even result in fewer complaints from tenants. Additionally, many eco-friendly products and tools are designed for efficiency, which can help your staff clean faster and use fewer resources—leading to cost savings that add up month after month.

Perhaps just as important, embracing green cleaning sends a clear message: your commercial property is keeping up with the times. More and more tenants care about sustainability, and showing that you’re making an effort in this area can improve tenant satisfaction and retention.

So, take a look at your current cleaning program. Find one place to start, and make it greener. Then build from there, step by step. The benefits will extend far beyond your maintenance checklist—your tenants, your budget, and the planet will all thank you.

Need help developing a green cleaning program for your commercial property? 

You're not alone—and we're here to help. At Pacific Commercial Property Services, we specialize in sustainable cleaning solutions tailored to commercial properties of all sizes. Whether you're just getting started or looking to upgrade your current routine, we’ll work with you to create a smarter, safer, and greener maintenance plan that aligns with your goals. From eco-friendly products to efficient cleaning practices, we’ll help reduce your environmental impact while keeping your commercial property looking its best. Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about building a cleaner, healthier future—together.

Check out our other services here or call us at (888) 544-8882 for a free property assessment!