Converse College Green Cleaning Plan
Dear Resident,
At Converse, it is our policy to build and maintain sustainable buildings. To this end, we
have adopted Green Cleaning Practices from our partnership with Sodexo. This program
has been piloted in several Colleges and Universities, and we choose to use those
practices at Converse College. Cleaning staff will clean all hallways, stairwells and
common areas using green cleaning practices that include the use of green cleaning
chemicals, cleaning processes that benefit public health and the environment, and
environmentally preferable janitorial products.
Converse College would also like to encourage you to use green cleaning practices inside
your unit. To that end, we only allow environmentally friendly cleaning products,
including Laundry Detergent. The following pages include information on the green
attributes of each product.
*Note of Caution – some laundry detergent contains coconut oil. If you have a coconut
allergy, do not use that detergent.
Benefits of a green cleaning program
Health benefits for building occupants: Most people spend 90% of their time indoors,
forcing them to be exposed to the chemicals that are used in buildings. The chemicals
used in cleaning products have been linked to multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome,
allergies, contact dermatitis, headaches, dry eyes, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
Instituting a green cleaning program helps to improve air quality, which in turn, helps to
increase workers’ productivity, decrease absenteeism, and reduce medical and insurance
costs.
Health benefits for custodians/Housekeepers: Custodians/Housekeepers spend their
entire day working with harmful chemicals giving them an increased chance of injury.
Cleaning chemicals can cause many health problems for custodians/housekeepers,
including: eye damage, skin burns, headaches, asthma, organ damage, reproductive
disorders, and cancer. The Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project estimates that
the average janitor used about 23 gallons of chemical per year, of which 25% are
hazardous. Switching to green cleaning products and processes decreases the overall use
of chemicals and hazardous products, which decreases risk of injury to custodians.
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Environmental benefits: Cleaning products contain many ingredients that produce
harmful environmental effects. Two examples include volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) that contribute to photochemical smog, tropospheric ozone, and carcinogenic
indoor air quality, and phosphates and nitrates that contribute to eutrophication in
waterways.
Converse Colleges Green Cleaning program reduces the ecological impact of its products
by reducing its overall cleaning chemical use and by purchasing products whose
environmental impacts have been tested and proven to be minimal by Green Seal
Standard 37.
Sincerely,
Mark Osinga
Senior Director of Facility Services and Planning
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Green Cleaning Policy and Procedures Manual
Credit Intent
To reduce exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially
hazardous chemical contaminants that adversely impact air quality, occupant well-being,
and the environment.
Developed standards and practices for the Green Cleaning Plan that includes the
following:
- Products
- Systems
- Equipment
- Procedures
- Training
This is written with consideration for LEED certification and 3rd party
certification, i.e. CIMS, Green Seal
1 - All core chemicals will be Green Seal / Ecologo / EPA certified or registered
cleaners
2 - All other chemicals will be used in a controlled manner and only when
determined to be necessary
3 - Core chemicals will be dispensed from controlled chemical dilution dispensers
4 - Use Green Seal certified floor finishes when possible
5 - Plan floor refinishing for good results while being sustainable & use longer
lasting floor care practices when possible
6 - Use microfiber for cloths and mops cleaning
7 - Use paper products that meet Green Seal or EPA requirements and trash liners
certified to ASTM standards that ensures liner will properly degrade at its end-oflife liners that meet Green Seal or EPA
8 - Use only CRI Green Label vacuums and Extractors
9 - Develop comprehensive recycling program
10 - Create system for communication and feedback
11 – Training
Janitorial Products
Converse has expanded its green cleaning program to include paper products such as
paper towels and toilet paper. Conventional paper products are often manufactured with
virgin pulp, and are bleached with chlorine, which releases dioxin. Dioxin is a known
carcinogen that also damages immune systems, reproductive health, and cause countless
other serious health problems.
Luckily, there are many alternatives available that are more environmentally friendly.
Unbleached, recycled-content papers are the ideal choice. Green Seal has recommended
a few products, including ones made by Kimberly Clark and Georgia Pacific. Converse
also offers paper towel dispensers and hand drying methods that have less harmful life
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cycle impact than traditional folded paper towels and their dispensers. In addition,
Converse uses recycled content trash bags wherever possible, as long as they perform as
well as standard bags. The housekeeping staff is also trained to reduce the number of
trash liners used when trash bins can be emptied into a large bin without needing to
replace the liner.
We will follow the standards of Certifying Organizations:
Green Seal provides standards for green products and services in more than 40
categories. Products that earn the seal satisfy standards for human toxicity and reduced smog production
potential.
The program compares products / services with others in the same category, develops
rigorous and scientifically relevant criteria, and awards the EcoLogoM to those that are environmentally
preferable throughout their entire whole life a thorough evaluation and auditing process.
TCLP stands for Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure. The TCLP test was
designed by the EPA to determine the mobility of both organic and inorganic analyses present in liquid,
solid, and multiphase wastes. This test is used to determine if a waste meets the definition of EPA Toxicity,
that is, carrying a hazardous waste code under RCRA (40 CFR Part 261) of D004 through D052.
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Indoor Air Quality Testing Program acknowledges
low-emitting products that meet environmental standards for carpet, adhesives, and cushion materials.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) 2002/95/EC restricts the
use of the following six substances: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent chromium, Polybrominated
biphenyls (PBB), and Polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBDE).
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The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, nonprofit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM. The GREENGUARD
Certification ProgramSM is an industry-independent, third-party testing program for low-emitting products
and materials. GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and
buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve
indoor air.
Energy Star is a designation for electrically-run products like appliances. It is a governmentbacked program that helps protect the environment through energy efficiency.
OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and
women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing
partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
EPA leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts.
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment.
Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.
NEMA’s “Call to Action” on hazardous substances will rest on the following
principles.
1) NEMA’s commitment to reducing the content of hazardous substances in
Electrical products is part of a comprehensive effort to demonstrate leadership in
Corporate environmental stewardship.
2) Safety, particularly in terms of risk trade-offs associated with alternative product designs, will always be
the primary consideration in decisions that stem from this process.
3) NEMA expects all member companies to consider regulatory requirements and thresholds to be the
starting point, not the endpoint, in determining how far to go in reducing the content of hazardous
substances.
Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS). The standard was designed to
help cleaning service providers, whether in-house or contractor, use general cleaning best practices and
launch a cleaning management framework that includes a quality plan, a service delivery plan, purchasing
guidelines, training, regulatory compliance, an environmental management system and delegation of
leadership duties.
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Converse College is Committed to Sustainable Vendors:
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Converse has expanded its green cleaning program to include:
 Sustainable Practice 1- All core chemicals will be Green Seal / Ecologo / EPA
certified or registered cleaners
 Chemicals
• Examined our chemical inventory
• Determined needs
• Developed Core Chemical List
- General Purpose Cleaner & Floor Cleaner
- Bathroom Cleaner
- Glass Cleaner
- Disinfectant
Sustainable Practice #2: All other chemicals will be used in a controlled manner
and only when determined to be necessary.
APPROVED CHEMICALS
Chemicals that are approved for use must be Green Seal (GS) Certified, which
means that they are in accordance with the GS-37 (Industrial and Institutional
Cleaners), GS-09 (Paper Products), or GS-40 (Floor Care) performance standards.
A list of currently approved products is below. This list is constantly evolving as
new products become certified under these standards.
Product Category
General Purpose Cleaner
Glass Cleaner
Neutral Bathroom Cleaner
Neutral Cleaner
Disinfectant
Floor Finish
Semi-Permanent Floor Finish
Carpet Prespray & Extraction
Ecolab Product
QC 51E
QC 52E
QC 91E
QC 31
A 456 - N
Zinc Free Finish - Phazer
Glosstek
Revitalize 151
GS Status
√
√
√
√
EPA Approved
√
Recommended
√
 Sustainable Practice #3 – Core chemicals will be dispensed from automatic
chemical dispensers
 Chemical Dispensing - QuikClik
• Ultra concentrated products use less packaging – 1.3L packages replace
2.5 Gal.
• Post-consumer plastic packaging
• No contact with concentrated chemicals; no free pouring
• Metered to dispense proper level and prevents over-use/waste of
chemicals
• Color-coded and lockable to reduce risk & improve safety
• Accurate on/off prevents wasting water
• Comprehensive training program helps improve procedures and results
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 Sustainable Practice #4- Use Green Seal certified floor finishes
FLOOR CARE
Green Seal Certified (GS-40) products
• Green Seal Phazer finish and Zinc-Free Floor Finish
 Driving Sustainability – The new floor care program provides an optimized
process that reduces labor, product waste and VOC, allowing you to minimize
your environmental impact.
 The new flexible packaging reduces landfill waste by 83% compared to 5 gallon
container. The closed loop system reduces product waste by 94% compared to the
traditional mop and bucket application system. ISSA reports 33% labor savings.
 Increased employee safety; the ergonomic back pack system eliminates the heavy
lifting of buckets. Prepackaged container eliminates cross contamination and
minimizes the chance of chemical contact.
Phazer Stratus Finish
Phazer Sealer/Finish
Phazer Medium Frequency Finish
 Sustainable Practice #5- Plan floor refinishing for good results while
being sustainable
• Conduct floor assessment to determine frequencies and appropriate finish
type & amount
• Encourage use of more sustainable floor products during renovation or
construction
• Use longer lasting floor care practices when possible
 GlossTek
 Pinnacle - Honing of stone & terrazzo
• Reduce chemical stripper as much as possible
• No stripper has been purchased in the last 6 months, using Tennant Bos-18
GlossTek 100 and 400 ultra-durable finish
• Maintains gloss longer
• No heavy metals
• No scrub and recoats needed, and no stripping required  reduces
chemical usage and waste
• No burnishing required  improves indoor air quality (IAQ)
• Polyurethane; lower VOC than conventional finishes for coating
process (4-6 coats)
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Stone Refinishing is used as a Green process
Honing Process for stone and terrazzo
- Process involves machine honing of floors with progressive
grit of diamond discs until a high gloss is achieved
- Eliminates the need for wax or chemical stripper
- Converse currently has one building with honed floors
 Sustainable Practice #6- Use microfiber for cleaning
1. Microfiber is 100 times finer than a human hair creating huge surface area.
2. Improves cleaning because it has natural attractive properties – has been
shown to remove 95% of bacteria in one pass of a cloth.
3. Reduces water consumption by thousands of gallons per year because
microfiber holds 7-10 times its weight in water.
4. Microfiber cloths are launderable and reusable
 Sustainable Practice #7- Use paper products that meet Green Seal or EPA
requirements and trash liners certified to ASTM standards that ensures liner will
properly degrade at its end-of-life. Liners that meet Green Seal or EPA requirements
Green Seal Paper Products
 2009 LEED-EB:OM IEQ credit 3.3: Green Cleaning: Purchase of
Sustainable -Cleaning Products & Materials. (1 point)

Janitorial paper qualifies toward US Green Building Council’s LEED
certification by meeting the minimum applicable requirements of one
or more recognized programs: EPA, Green Seal and Environmental
Choice. OR… products derived from rapidly renewable resources or
made from tree-free fibers.
Compact Coreless Toilet Paper
o 100% recycled content
o At least 20% post-consumer recycled content
o Chlorine free bleaching
Georgia Pacific Enmotion paper towel dispenser
o Uses paper that meets EPA recommended recycled paper content –
100% recycled, 40% PCW
o Controlled delivery system reduces paper waste
o Eliminates cross-contamination because there is no contact with
dispenser
o Reduces paper usage
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Green Trash Can Liners
Maximum strength at minimum gauge:
Superior performance in trash can liners requires they be tough enough for
the application in which they are used yet be as cost effective as possible.
Choosing the lowest gauge that meets the performance requirement
accomplishes both and reduces the amount of plastic added to the waste
stream.
Right size for container:
Choosing bags that match the size of the receptacle result in further source
reduction and less cost. Converse has completed a trash liner survey to
match the liner with the container and implemented the change on January
29, 2009
Compostability:
When waste being collected is compostable, choosing a liner certified to
ASTM standards ensures liner will properly degrade at its end-of-life.
Option 1: EPA Procurement Guidelines require that plastic trash bags
contain a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycle content. 2009 LEEDEB:OM IEQ Credit 3.3 Green Cleaning: Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning
Products & Materials
Disposable trash bags meet the minimum requirements of the U.S. EPA
Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for Janitorial Paper and Plastic
Trash Can Liners
Option 2: 2009 LEED-EB:OM MR Credit 7: Solid Waste Management:
On-going Consumables; Discard compostable liner into composting
station.
Diverting solid waste from landfills earns LEED points through
waste reduction.
 Sustainable Practice #8 - Use only CRI Green Label vacuums and Extractors
HEALTH: Reduce contamination
 Hot water extraction equipment for deep cleaning carpets is capable of
removing sufficient moisture such that carpets dry in less than 24 hours (or
requirements of >CRI Bronze Seal of Approval).
 Powered maintenance equipment – including floor buffers, burnishers and
automatic scrubbers – is equipped with vacuums, filters, guards and/or other
devices for capturing fine particulates.
 Propane-powered floor equipment has high-efficiency, low-emissions engines
and may only be used when the building is unoccupied and under conditions
allowing for as much air circulation and exchange as possible.
CONSERVE: Use less
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 Automated scrubbing machines are equipped with variable speed feed pumps
to optimize the use of cleaning fluids.
 Battery-powered equipment is equipped with environmentally preferable gel
batteries.
 Active micro fiber technology is used to reduce cleaning chemical
consumption and prolong life of disposable scrubbing pads, where feasible.
SAFETY: Workforce and occupants
 Powered equipment is ergonomically designed to minimize vibration, noise
and use fatigue.
 Equipment has rubber bumpers to reduce potential damage to
building surfaces.
 Powered maintenance equipment operates with a sound level less
than 70dBA.
 CRI Test Vacuums for:
o Soil Removal
o Dust Containment
o Carpet fiber retention
 Vacuums; Proteam Supercoach; Tennant V-BP-6 Backpack
• LEED qualifying with CRI SOA Bronze Performance and noise levels
less than 70 dBA
• Improve indoor air quality with standard HEPA 4-stage filtration
 Windsor Versamatic and Tennant Upright Vacuums
• CRI Green Label Silver rating
• Micro-filtration system traps 99% of particles.
Carpet Extractors
 CRI Tests Extractors for:
• Soil Removal
• Water Removal
• Texture Retention
 Tennant E5
• Chemical free, hot water only
 Windsor Commodore 20
• CRI Green Label Gold Rated
 Windsor Mini-Pro
• CRI Green Label Silver Rated
Clarke Boost & OBS
 Clarke Boost scrubber allows for removal of floor finish without chemical
stripper
 OBS used for mobile use
 Uses special pads made by 3M with orbital motion
 Uses water or neutral floor cleaner
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APPROVED PRACTICES
Approved practices are ones that limit the amount of dirt entering the building,
help to improve indoor air quality, reduce their impact on the environment, and
minimize the amount of cleaning chemicals that are needed and reduce overall
waste due to cleaning.
Entrance matting systems to prevents soil from entering the building.
Microfiber cloths will replace disposable paper towels to minimize waste.
Recycled cotton cloths can also replace paper towels to minimize waste.
Microfiber dry mops will replace chemically treated dry mops to minimize
chemical and water use.
HEPA or high-filtration vacuums to improve indoor air quality.
Dilution control systems to allow for the use of concentrated products to minimize
packaging and the environmental effects associated with shipping diluted
chemicals.
Floor care systems: Unfinished floors are preferable, to eliminate the need to seal
or finish the floors. Green Seal certified finishers are recommended if finishing is
needed.
Trash liners should only be replaced when necessary; garbage should be dumped
into the main trash barrel and liners should be left in the receptacle if they are
clean.
PROHIBITED CHEMICALS
The following chemicals are prohibited, in accordance with GS-37 and GS-8
standards.
 Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)
 Phthalates
 Dibutyl phthalate
 Heavy metals including arsenic, lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury,
nickel, or selenium
 Optical brighteners & chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
 Ozone-depleting compounds
 Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)
 Nitilotriacetic acid (NTA)
 Petroleum or petrochemical compounds
 Phenolic compounds and glycol ethers
 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (must be less than 10%)
 Carcinogens and reproductive toxins
The following ingredients are found in floor care systems and are prohibited (in
addition to the above list):
 Zinc
 2-Butoxy ethanol (EGBE)
 Aqueous ammonia
 2-Methoxyethanol or ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME)
 2-Ethoxyethanol or ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGEE)
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PROHIBITED PRACTICES
 Non-concentrated products should not be used.
 Paper towels should not be used for cleaning.
 Trash liners should not be removed if they are clean.
 Automatic aerosol deodorizers than contain high levels of VOCs are
prohibited.
 Urinal blocks are prohibited.
 Chemically treated dust cloths are prohibited.
 Sustainable Practice #9 – Develop comprehensive recycling program
Campus Recycling
1. Have had single stream recycling since 2009
2. Recycling containers are located in all campus buildings.
 Sustainable Practice #10 – Create system for communication and feed back
•
Tent cards established to inform students of Green Cleaning efforts and
Recycling
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Drinking Fountains that count how many disposable plastic bottles that have been
eliminated from the waste stream.
 Sustainable Practice #11 – Training
All employees will be properly trained in the proper use and safety rules for all cleaning
products prior to working independently. On-going training will be provided as per the
overall training program.
Each week we have what we call a “method of the week”. We cover over 52 cleaning
subjects a year. Each week a green cleaning procedure is covered. One of our vendors
(Ecolab) covers 7 Green Cleaning procedures a year.
Vendor Training 2011
March 10, 2011- Trained on new boost machine.
 Clarke Boost scrubber allows for removal of floor finish without chemical
stripper
April 15, 2011- Trained on new Phazer floor system
 The new floor care program provides an optimized process that reduces labor,
product waste and VOC, allowing you to minimize your environmental impact.
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Green Cleaning procedures for 2011
Green Guide Sheet
Baseboard Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone.
4. Protect tile floor and carpet with drop cloths or plastic sheets.
II. GENERAL CLEANING
1. Wipe baseboard with a micro-fiber cleaning cloth.
2. If needed, spray general purpose cleaner on another folded cloth, then
wipe the baseboard clean.
3. Do not use abrasive pads or anything that could scratch the baseboard
surface.
4. Dry with a clean micro-fiber cloth to prevent streaks.
III. STRIP IF NEEDED
1. To remove floor sealer, apply “environmentally preferred” stripping
solution to the baseboard with a sponge or cloth. Use an approved
“foaming” stripper if available.
2. Work small sections, no more than 8 feet at a time.
3. Allow just a few minutes for the stripper to work, but don’t let it dry.
IV. AGITATE STRIPPER
1. Scrub stripper with a brush if needed, keeping the area wet.
2. Make sure the brush or solution does not touch woodwork, wall or floor.
V. CLEAN AND RINSE
1. Wipe stripper solution off with a sponge or micro-fiber cloth.
2. Use separate sponge or cloth to rinse with clear water.
3. Dry with a clean micro-fiber cloth to avoid streaks.
VI. INSPECT YOUR WORK
1. Inspect your work.
2. Remove any splashes from surrounding surfaces.
3. Remove protective drop cloths or plastic sheets.
4. Remove your Work Zone signs.
5. Clean and store your equipment.
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Green Guide Sheet
Breakroom Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses
2. Use supplies from Sodexo’s Standard Products List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone.
II. DUST AND CLEAN
1. Dust horizontal surfaces with a clean micro-fiber cloth as needed.
2. Empty trash cans and replace liners if needed. Spot clean containers.
3. Clean exterior of microwaves and other appliances with a damp microfiber cloth.
4. Restock supplies such as napkins, condiments, hand and roll towels, etc.
III. WIPE
1. Spray “environmentally preferred” disinfectant cleaner on a clean microfiber cloth.
2. Damp wipe counter tops and table tops with the disinfectant.
3. Work top to bottom.
4. Wipe chairs and stools as needed.
IV. SEE SPOTS
1. Spot clean entrance doors and cabinets.
2. Spot clean walls.
3. Spot clean legs of chair and tables.
V. SWEEP
1. Pick up large debris and trash with a dust pan.
2. Sweep the floor – or – vacuum.
3. Damp mop the floor.
VI. INSPECT
1. Inspect your work.
2. Do not remove Work Zone signs until the floor is completely dry.
3. Clean your equipment and supplies
4. Return equipment and supplies to the storeroom.
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Green Guide Sheet
Cabinet Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place two caution signs to designate your Work Zone.
4. Use only “environmentally preferred” disinfectant.
II. DUST or VACUUM
1. Working “top to bottom”, use micro-fiber pads and cloths to dust outside
surfaces, tops and sides of doors.
2. If the cabinet is over your head, be careful of dust and debris falling from
above.
III. WIPE SURFACES
1. Fold a clean micro-fiber cloth into quarters or thirds.
2. Spray disinfectant cleaner on the cloth.
3. Wipe outside surfaces of the cabinet.
4. If visible, wipe with the grain – OR – always in the same direction.
5. Refold the cloth to expose a clean surface, then lightly spray additional
disinfectant cleaner.
6. Wipe the doors and knobs, both inside and outside.
IV. CLEAN INSIDE
1. Spray disinfectant cleaner on a clean surface of the cloth and wipe all open
shelves.
2. Use a small brush to get dirt out of corners, then wipe.
3. Do not let the cleaner touch products or contents of the cabinet.
4. Do not move products or contents in the cabinet.
V. TRASH THE TRASH
1. When tasked with total clean-out of a cabinet, the client employees MUST
first remove any items that are to be saved.
2. THEN, place all material to be discarded in a trash can with a liner.
FOLLOW TRASHING METHODS to complete the task.
3. Follow step number four (4) above to finish.
VI. INSPECT YOUR WORK
1. Inspect your work.
2. Be sure everything is back in the proper place.
3. If the area is safe and the floor is clear, remove your work zone signs.
4. Clean and store your supplies.
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Green Guide Sheet
Carpet Spotting
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone.
4. The following method is for carpets, not Persian or specialty area rugs.
II. WHAT IS IT ???
1. Identify what has caused the spot.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask area occupants.
3. Pick up any solids with a spoon, putty knife or other blunt object.
4. Vacuum the area first to get loose dirt out.
5. Some spots MAY come up with water.
6. DO NOT USE HOT WATER!
III. TEST THE SPOTTER
1. All carpets are different in fiber content and type of dye.
2. Always test the spotter in an out of the way area. Use only
“environmentally preferred” chemicals.
3. Spray chemical in one spot and press a white cloth firmly for about 10
seconds on the spot.
4. If there is any dye transfer, DO NOT USE THE SPOTTER.
IV. SPOT IT
1. Apply liquid spotter to the soiled area.
2. Blot with an absorbent pad.
3. Work from outside toward the center.
4. Avoid rubbing.
5. Use a spotting brush if needed.
V. RINSE
1. Spray the worked area with clean water or approved neutralizer / rinse
solution.
2. This will help rinse out and / or neutralize any remaining chemical.
3. Blot up remaining dampness with a micro-fiber cloth.
VI. INSPECT
1. Inspect your work.
2. If the spot did not come out, notify you Supervisor.
3. Secure the area to make sure all supplies and equipment are removed.
4. Put away your equipment and supplies.
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Green Guide Sheet
Ceiling Washing
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone
II. IS IT WASHABLE?
1. Make sure the ceiling is washable. These techniques are for hard surfaces
only. Do not use for soft ceiling tiles or acoustical sprayed-on ceilings.
2. Move furniture and objects.
3. Spread drop cloths to protect the floor and furniture. Move them as you
progress.
4. Use a micro-fiber cloth or vacuum ceiling surface for cobwebs and dust.
III. WASH – Detergents must be “environmentally preferred” products
1. Begin at one corner. Test area first.
2. Work on small, manageable areas.
3. Sponge on the detergent solution.
4. Wring sponge dry and pick up solution with sponge.
5. Wipe in the same direction each time.
6. Clean air vents as you move along.
IV. RINSE
1. Apply rinse water with a clean sponge to the same area.
2. Squeeze the sponge dry.
3. Pick up remaining rinse water with the sponge.
V. REPEAT
1. Repeat the sequence across the entire ceiling.
2. Do not let large amounts of solution or water drip from the ceiling onto the
walls or floor.
VI. INSPECT
1. Remove drop cloths.
2. Dry up any splatters or spills (check the walls).
3. Return furniture and objects.
4. Dust furniture to remove debris from cleaning.
5. Inspect your work.
6. Remove work zone signage.
7. Clean and store your equipment.
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Green Guide Sheet
Classroom Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone
4. Position the janitor’s cart outside the classroom. Do not block any
entrance, exit or hallway.
5. Make note of any unlocked doors and windows as well as any broken or
out of place items.
II. DUST
1. Dust all horizontal surfaces with a folded micro-fiber dust cloth or dust
wand.
2. Refold the dust cloth as needed and shake out the wand frequently in the
brute barrel.
3. Do not stir up any additional dust.
III. REMOVE TRASH
Working from left to right though the area:
1. Empty all pencil sharpeners into trash cans.
2. Empty all trash cans into a brute barrel (or cart).
3. Replace soiled or torn trash can liners.
4. Do not place trash bags on any carpet.
IV. DETAIL
1. Clean chalkboards with only water on a folded cloth.
2. Clean dry erase boards with dry erasers only. If cleaning solution is
needed, check with the school for the appropriate type.
3. Do not erase anything marked “SAVE”!
4. Spot-clean walls with an “environmentally preferred” all purpose cleaner
sprayed on a folded micro-fiber cloth.
5. Clean desk tops, door knobs and other contact surfaces with approved
disinfectant sprayed on a folded micro-fiber cloth.
6. Clean door and window glass with “environmentally preferred” glass
cleaner sprayed on a folded cloth.
Use only water on Plexiglas and lexan.
V. SWEEP & VACUUM
1. Pick up trash and loose debris on the floor.
2. Vacuum carpet areas and dust hard surface floors with a micro-fiber flat
mop.
3. Remove gum and streaks from hard surfaces.
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VI. DAMP MOP & INSPECT
1. Damp mop per periodic schedule.
2. Check the floor to make sure it is dry before removing work zone signs.
3. Inspect your work.
4. Remove all cleaning supplies from the classroom!
5. Make sure windows are locked, turn off lights and lock the door as you
leave the classroom.
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Green Guide Sheet
Conference Room Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone
4. Move chairs away from tables and walls as needed.
5. If the doors are closed, make sure no one is inside before you enter.
II. DUST FIRST
1. Dust top to bottom.
2. Use a wand for areas out of reach, micro-fiber cloth for others.
3. Don’t forget tops of marker boards, door frames and chair legs.
4. Use a vacuum whenever possible.
5. Do not touch or move electronic equipment.
III. DAMP CLEAN NEXT
1. Fold a cleaning cloth in quarters or thirds.
2. Spray neutral cleaner on the cloth to wipe down surfaces. Refold the cloth
for clean area.
3. Spray disinfectant on a new clean cloth to wipe down telephones, door
knobs, table tops and other contact surfaces.
4. Be sure to clean chair legs, doors and wall surfaces around light switches.
5. Do not erase information from marker boards unless instructed to do so.
6. Marker boards free of information should be cleaned ONLY with
approved marker board cleaner.
Be sure chemicals are “environmentally preferred”
IV. TRASHY DETAILS
1. Tie off trash can liners and remove from container.
2. Spot clean containers as needed.
3. Replace liners if needed per site requirements.
V. VACUUM
1. Clean inside window glass and partition glass if present.
2. Spot clean carpet if needed.
3. Vacuum carpet.
4. Use vacuum attachments on furniture fabrics.
VI. INSPECT
1. Replace furniture to original position.
2. Inspect your work (view fro different angles).
3. Turn off the light(s) and close the door(s).
4. Clean and store your supplies and equipment.
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Green Guide Sheet
Counter Top Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone
II. DRY CLEAN FIRST (dust)
1. Remove obstructions from the counter surface. Do not move personal
items or computer equipment.
2. Dust the surface with a micro-fiber dust cloth to remove crumbs, paper
dust, pencil shavings, etc.
3. Use a detail brush as needed to get crumbs out of cracks and crevices.
4. Spot clean the counter surface with an “environmentally preferred”
general purpose cleaner spray on a clean cloth.
III. DISINFECT
1. Fold a clean micro-fiber cloth in quarters or thirds.
2. Spray disinfectant cleaner on the clean cloth.
3. Wipe the entire surface.
IV. BUFF
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dry the surface thoroughly.
Buff lightly with a clean micro-fiber cloth to increase the shine.
Always wipe with the visible grain in the surface.
Spot clean any cabinet doors.
V. POLISH (if permitted)
1. Do not use furniture polish on any food counter surface.
2. Spray “environmentally preferred” polish on a clean cloth for use on
formica, veneer or wood counter tops.
3. Polish the entire surface.
4. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
(REFER TO FURNITURE POLISHING METHODS)
VI. INSPECT
1. Replace any items you may have moved.
2. Inspect your work.
3. Clean and store equipment and supplies.
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Green Guide Sheet
Damp Mopping Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Gather supplies, equipment and Green Seal Certified Johnson Professional
STRIDE® Neutral Cleaner.
3. Be sure STRIDE® is properly diluted in the mop bucket.
4. Use only the water level and amount of solution required to clean the
surface.
5. Place caution / wet floor signs at each and every doorway and hallway
leading into the area to be cleaned.
II. VACUUM
1. Vacuum walk-off mats (if present).
2. Roll up mats and move out of the way.
3. Be sure they do not present a tripping hazard to anyone.
III. DETAIL
1. Remove gum or build-up with a putty knife.
2. Use a scouring pad if needed.
3. Be sure not to scratch the tile.
IV. DUST
1. Vacuum corners and edges with attachments on a HEPA filtered vacuum.
2. Dust mop the entire floor using an untreated micro-fiber flat (dry pad)
mop, as wide as possible.
V. MOP
1. Make sure all wet floor and other caution signs are in place. Mop large
areas one section at a time.
2. Place micro-fiber flat (wet pad) mop into bucket and maneuver bucket to
desired location.
3. Lift mop onto the sieve, hold the handle upright and press straight down to
wring the pad to the desired wetness. Repeat steps 2 and 3 when mop
dries out.
4. Place mop on the floor and use until the pad dries out.
5. Damp mop along corners and edges first.
6. Damp mop traffic area using a figure eight stroke.
7. Change the mop water as it becomes dirty.
VI. INSPECT
1. Check your work for streaks or dirt.
2. Make sure there is no accumulation of mop water anywhere on the floor.
3. When the floor is COMPLETELY dry, caution signs may be removed.
4. Do not take caution signs down too early.
5. Return walk-off mats to original place.
6. Clean equipment and wash flat pads.
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Green Guide Sheet
Door Cleaning
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone, one on each side of the
door.
4. Do not work on the backside of a closed door unless you lock the door or
prop it open!
II. GOTTA DUST
1. If needed, dust the top of the door frame.
2. Dust the top of the door (be careful dirt does not loosen and fall onto your
face).
3. Dust door closer mechanisms, being careful not to get grease or oil on
your duster.
4. Using a vacuum with duster attachment is preferred.
III. REMOVE SPOTS
1. Spot clean any significant build-up on door and frame surfaces.
2. Fold a clean micro-fiber cloth into quarters or thirds.
3. Spray “environmentally preferred” general purpose cleaner on the clean
cloth and wipe until clean.
IV. CLEAN
1. Spray cleaner on a clean part of the cloth and damp wipe the entire surface
on both sides of the door.
2. Wipe (wood) doors “with the grain”.
3. Spray neutral cleaner on a clean part of the cloth and wipe the door frame,
closer and hardware.
V. DISINFECT
1. Spray disinfectant on a clean cloth and wipe to disinfect door knobs,
latches and push bars as well as door and frame surfaces adjacent to the
door knob area.
2. Rotate the cloth as necessary.
VI. INSPECT
1. Inspect your work.
2. Use a clean, dry micro-fiber cloth to buff and brighten door knobs and
hardware as needed.
3. Remove work zone signs.
4. Clean and store your equipment and supplies.
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Green Guide Sheet
Drinking Fountains
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place caution signs to designate your Work Zone
II. SPOT CLEAN
1. If needed, spot clean surfaces first to remove marks and excess build-up.
2. Spray disinfectant on a clean cloth and wipe.
3. Do not use stainless steel polish (“dry buff” only).
III. DETAIL
1. If excessive soil or mineral deposits exist around the drain, spigot or
mouth guard, use a detail brush to remove.
2. Crème cleanser can be used with the brush or on a cloth if porcelain, but
not stainless steel.
3. Use calcium cleaner if necessary.
4. Rinse with clear water on a clean cloth.
5. Do not get crème cleanser in the spigot outlet.
IV. DISINFECT
1. Spray disinfectant on all contact surfaces including the control knob or
push bar.
2. Be sure to adequately spray the mouth guard.
3. Allow “dwell” time to give the disinfectant a chance to work (usually
several minutes).
4. Do not walk away. No one can use the drinking fountain during this time.
V. CLEAN & RINSE
1. Wipe all other surfaces with disinfectant that has been sprayed on a
folded, clean cloth.
2. Thoroughly rinse all contact areas with clear water on a separate clean
cloth. Then rinse again.
3. Dry and buff to a shine with a clean cloth.
4. Wipe stainless steel “with the grain”.
VI. INSPECT
1. Inspect your work.
2. Ensure no cleaner residue has been left behind.
3. Run the water for a minute or so to ensure all products is out of the spigot
outlet.
4. Check the floor to make sure it is dry before removing work zone signs.
5. Clean and store supplies and equipment.
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Green Guide Sheet
Dust Mopping
6 Steps for Cleaning Green
I. DO IT SAFELY !
1. Put on PPE – gloves / safety glasses.
2. Use supplies, equipment and chemicals from Sodexo’s Standard Products
List.
3. Place at least two caution signs to designate your Work Zone, one at each
end of your travel distance.
II. PREPARE THE AREA
1. Vacuum walk off mats with a HEPA equipped vacuum.
2. Roll up the mats.
3. Place in a safe area so no one will trip.
4. Get help if needed to lift.
III. THE DIRTY WORK
1. Remove any gum stuck to the floor with a putty knife.
2. Pick up loose trash and debris with dust pan and brush.
3. Move furniture if necessary (get help!)
IV. MOVE THE MOP
1. Mop edges and corners first with a flat mop.
2. Walk back and forth pushing the mop in front of you, with the handle at
about a 45 degree angle.
3. Overlap each row about 10 inches.
4. Don’t left the mop head off the floor.
V. SHAKE, RATTLE & SNEEZE (not)
1. Shake out the mop as needed inside a large trash barrel.
2. Place a plastic bag over the mop head when you shake if dust seems to be
airborne.
VI. RETURN TO NORMAL
1. Return walk off mats and furniture to their original locations.
2. Clean the op in an area away from where you just mopped.
3. Brush out the mop head with a stiff bristle brush.
4. Hang the mop with the fibers facing away from the wall.
5. Inspect your work just completed.
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Green Cleaning Products for Student Housing
You only want what's best for your Health. So that’s why we want you to use cleaning
products that are made from high-quality ingredients that are:





At least 95% naturally derived.
Are made with plant- and mineral-based cleaning ingredients.
Come from biodegradable ingredients that are naturally derived
Use environmentally sustainable packaging whenever possible.
Are acknowledged by the Natural Products Association, the Sierra Club and the
EPA’sDesign for the Environment program.
Listed below are some brands you can get locally in Spartanburg:
A line of naturally derived cleaning products from clorox- Available at Home Depot
- Household cleaners, Hand dishwashing, Botanical DisinfectantsAvailable at Walmart
Swiffer Sweeper- Available at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Publics
Floor Maintenance Tips
Daily Maintenance: Swiffer Sweeper Dry Cloths cleans better than a broom it has
a dirt grabbing texture to pick up 50% more dirt, dust, and hair than a broom.
Vacuum the walk off mats to remove grit and soiling.
Weekly Routine Maintenance: Clean vinyl wood floor with Swiffer Sweeper Wet
Cloths it will give you a smarter clean than a mop and bucket.
Swiffer Sweeper is great for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wood, tile or vinyl floors*
Inside closets
Under beds, tables and cabinets
Cleaning walls before painting
On baseboards and shelving
Tidying up pet areas
The top of the fridge
* Do not use Swiffer ® Sweeper Wet Cloths on unfinished, oiled,
or waxed wooden boards, non-sealed tiles or carpeted floors.
Dry Cloths are great for:
•
•
•
•
•
Wood, tile or vinyl floors
Under tables, beds and cabinets
Inside closets and around closet shelving
Around pet areas
Under appliances
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• Bookshelves, electronics and plants
• Walls and baseboards
Wet Cloths are great for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Vinyl, ceramic and finished wood floors*
Revealing the natural shine of your floors
Dissolving tough spots
Around the toilet and tub
The bathroom floor
Small spills
Mudrooms
Foyers and entrances
Footprints and pet messes
Around high chair and toddler seat areas
Hanging Items on Wall
Items may be hung on the walls using a T-pin. This is the only approved means of
hanging items.
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