In recent years, everyone on a personal and commercial level is trying to be more eco-friendly. The high rate of climate change, global pollution, and health are all reasons we’re trying to take a more green approach.

We see plenty of cleaning supplies now that say “non-toxic” or “natural” that don’t have harsh ingredients, which are traditionally used in these types of products. People even started to make their own cleaners with white vinegar, essential oils, and other natural herbs.

However, the coronavirus outbreak at the beginning of 2020 has changed how people are cleaning. Can the eco-friendly, non-toxic, and natural cleaning supplies kill the COVID-19 virus? We’re going to tell you everything you need to know.

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Coronavirus and Businesses 

OSHA, or The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, makes rules to protect the safety of employers, employees, and consumers. It creates regulations for cleaning, disposal of hazardous waste, confined space rescue, maximum capacities, safety features, and more.

In May 2020, when nonessential businesses were allowed to reopen, OSHA created new regulations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Some of the new requirements were that employers must report any cases of work-related coronavirus cases.

Also, there are new rules with face and eye protection, inspections, respiratory protection, and sanitation. Businesses are now required to do a lot more cleaning than before to help protect their clients from contracting COVID-19.

Cleaning is Different than Disinfecting 

Cleaning means that you remove germs and dirt from surfaces. Bacteria and viruses can still live on these areas. Disinfecting is ultimately killing everything on the surface, leaving it adequately sanitized.

It’s said that the coronavirus can live up to 3 days on a worktop if not disinfected. Eco-friendly cleaning supplies aren’t strong enough to kill the virus. Although your area will appear clean, the virus can still be active.

The list of disinfectants that have been tested to kill the coronavirus successfully is bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, and isopropyl alcohol. All of these are considered toxic and not eco-friendly.

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Coronavirus and Green Cleaning 

Green cleaning has its benefits, but while the global pandemic is still active and taking people’s lives, it needs to take a step back. This doesn’t mean you should toss all of these supplies in the trash, though.

On a personal and commercial level, if you want to clean your space, you can use the green cleaning supplies. You can wipe off dust and clean up spills of any kind with these products.

However, when it comes to disinfecting your surfaces, you need to use one of the tested products. You don’t want to be responsible for spreading the coronavirus, so you need to do your part.

Even if it goes against your personal morals, and you might not be in one of the risk groups, this is not a time to be selfish. You need to think about the well-being of the community, which might mean disinfecting with products you don’t like to use. Just keep in mind, the faster we can get rid of the virus, the quicker we all can go back to living life how we’d like to.

The Bottom Line

Coronavirus should be taken seriously, especially if you own a business. We need to all work together to reduce the spread and protect those in the risk group. If you traditionally use green cleaning supplies, you need to re-think during this time.

To kill the COVID-19 virus, you need to disinfect with one of the tested and approved products. Look at the new regulations from OSHA to help you stay safe. Remember, cleaning and disinfecting are different things. The more we all do to fight this virus, the sooner we can all go back to normal.

What products do you use to disinfect the COVID-19 virus?

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