{"id":4024,"date":"2020-03-19T15:39:57","date_gmt":"2020-03-19T15:39:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecosforrosewood.temp513.kinsta.cloud\/?p=4024"},"modified":"2025-05-15T19:14:03","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T19:14:03","slug":"safer-green-cleaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/safer-green-cleaning\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Safer Green Cleaning Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The spread of the new COVID-19 illness has been unsettling for all of us. We want to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our family, and we\u2019re bombarded with new recommendations every day on how to stay safe. Working from home, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting \u2013 it can feel overwhelming at times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among all the recommendations, there is one source that\u2019s critical to follow \u2013 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC\u2019s website has clear, common sense guidelines on the best ways to avoid being exposed to COIVID-19, what to do if you or someone in your family is sick, and how to help keep your community safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By now, we all now know how to correctly wash our hands \u2013 every media outlet, governmental source, friend and relative has been repeating this important information. We all now know the importance of disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. But what we\u2019re not hearing much about are the unintended negative effects of good hygiene practices on people with skin sensitivities and health conditions. Some of us can be predisposed to adverse reactions from harsh chemicals. Even those without sensitivities are feeling the effects of frequent hand washing and sanitizing, which can dry out skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a better way to protect yourself from pathogens while dealing with issues like allergies, asthma or eczema? Is it possible to clean your hands and your home effectively while still cleaning \u201cgreen\u201d?<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer is yes; there are smarter ways to clean \u2013 ways that help protect you from pathogens while also protecting the health of our planet.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3><b>Smarter hand washing<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the CDC\u2019s guidelines on how and when to wash your hands <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that frequent use of soap and hand sanitizers may strip the outer layer of oil that protects your skin from pathogens.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If possible, use a hand soap, like <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/hand-soap\/hypoallergenic-hand-soap-lemongrass\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ECOS lemongrass hypoallergenic hand soap<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, that is hypoallergenic and pH balanced to help protect your skin\u2019s natural barrier.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>The best way to disinfect surfaces<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current evidence<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours or even days on a variety of surfaces.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, cleaning visibly dirty surfaces first, then disinfecting, is a best practice measure for preventing COVID-19.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning with a general surface cleaner helps disinfectants and sanitizers work more effectively by reducing germs and removing dirt and impurities, which allows disinfectants and sanitizers to better kill viruses and <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lower the risk of spreading infection<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After cleaning with a general surface cleaner like our all natural <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/household-cleaners\/all-purpose-cleaner-orange\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ECOS All-Purpose Orange Cleaner Spray<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, apply disinfectant or sanitizer according to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After cleaning and disinfecting, we recommend re-applying an ECOS cleaner and wiping the surface down to remove any chemical residue.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Laundry can harbor germs, too<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help stop the spread of germs, the <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthywater\/hygiene\/etiquette\/coughing_sneezing.html\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommends covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, but if you don\u2019t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pathogens can remain on porous surfaces like fabric, so be sure to wash clothes regularly.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommends laundering items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and drying them completely.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set a timer on your phone to remind yourself when it\u2019s time to move your laundry to the dryer.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For sensitive skin, look for a <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/laundry\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laundry detergent<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like ECOS Free &amp; Clear <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/laundry\/hypoallergenic-laundry-detergent-free-clear\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fragrance free Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that\u2019s dye-free and fragrance-free.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Washing produce is important<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Produce purchased at a grocery store could have been handled by other shoppers, so it\u2019s a smart idea to wash fruits and veggies before you use them.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a produce cleaner like our <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/household-cleaners\/organic-fruit-veggie-wash\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organic fruit and vegetable wash<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help clean produce \u2013 even organic produce can retain dirt and bacteria from the fields.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/household-cleaners\/fruit-veggie-wash\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ECOS Fruit + Veggie Wash<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contains a safer plant-derived surfactant that helps remove unwanted residues and contaminants.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Read the label<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know the chemicals you bring into your home, especially if you have existing health problems or skin sensitivities.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some ingredients in traditional cleaning products have been linked to allergies, asthma, eczema and even serious illnesses like cancer.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disclosing ingredients isn\u2019t required in the cleaning products industry, so look for brands that list ingredients on the label.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for products that are <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/epa-safer-choice-products\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">certified Safer Choice<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by the U.S. EPA, like our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/household-cleaners\/stainless-steel-cleaner-polish\/\">stainless steel polish<\/a> and 90+ others by ECOS \u2013 Safer Choice means that every ingredient in the product is the safest in its class and that it has met high standards for performance.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we navigate through this difficult time, remember that we\u2019re here for you if you have any questions \u2013 just click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or reach out to us on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ecoscleans\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ECOScleans\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ECOSCleans\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Stay safe and stay well!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The spread of the new COVID-19 illness has been unsettling for all of us. We want to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our family, and we\u2019re bombarded with new recommendations every day on how to stay safe. Working from home, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting \u2013 it can feel overwhelming at times.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":12022,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4024","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4024"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26464,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4024\/revisions\/26464"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}