Housekeeping and Lifestyle Blog

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected our view of the environment and the importance of using environmentally friendly cleaning products?

Il est vrai qu’avec les appels à «rester à la maison» et de confinement, qui ont été menées comme mesures officielles dans le monde entier pour tenter d’arrêter la pandémie à la Covid-19, une diminution des gaz à effet de serre a été constatée.

As well as a significant increase in the presence of different animal species in towns and villages that had not been seen for decades.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a number of unexpected negative impacts on the environment.

Both reducing recycling and increasing the use of disposable plastic around the world.

Hundreds of thousands of masks, gloves, packaging and food are thrown away in worrying quantities every day. 

For this reason, it may be urgent to think about measures that we can all take immediately and from home to reduce our environmental impact. 

How many cleaning products do you use at home?

Surely one for the windows, another for the bathroom, one more for the kitchen, for the floor, for clothes, dishes… The list can be endless.

I don't know if you've thought about it, but one of the easiest and most useful ways to be greener and more respectful of the planet as well as the health of the family is to use products from naturally ecological and non-toxic cleaning.

At Le Chiffon Vert, we are very green!

At home, at home, or at your office. We care a lot about the environment.

So we take into account the 3Rs. Recycle, reduce and reuse.

And above all, we used ecological cleaning products, made from renewable and vegetable raw materials, Ecologo certified.

Ecologo Certification - What is it?

Just because they're green doesn't mean they don't work as well as conventional household products!

Ecologo certification attests that the cleaning products we use comply with rigorous environmental standards. That they present minimal risks to health and the environment. And finally, that they meet the efficiency requirements of the product.

It's the only certification that matters in Canada!

To find out more about Ecologo certification, visit the dedicated site

Why shouldn't conventional cleaning products be used?

They negatively affect our health

There is a lot of misinformation on this issue and it is something that is of great concern.

Without wishing to create panic, we often use cleaning products in the home which can be fatal to our children, or at least very dangerous.

Thus, all those which carry an orange label, are to be completely eliminated!

This label warns of the following risks:

• flammable,
• irritant,
• corrosive,
• toxic

Thus, most of the conventional cleaning products that we find on the market contain toxic chemicals:

• ammonia,
• formaldehyde,
• phthalates,
• benzalkonium chloride
• and 2-butoxyethanol

are part of.

These substances are absorbed into our body through the respiratory tract and skin causing endocrine disorders, liver toxicity, nervous system disorders, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis and even cancer.

Oven cleaners, for example, are one of the most toxic products used in homes.

But also, the room fragrances that we like to spray in any room ... Well, did you know that the toxic chemicals they contain are found in the blood of 95% of children and adults who have there? been exposed?

They pollute the environment!

When these chemicals are thrown or dumped in the sewers from the house, through the bathroom or the kitchen, they reach nature and contribute significantly to the degradation of the environment.

Also, many others reach rivers, seas and forests. 

So, these chemicals end up on our plates through the food we buy and eat!

The chemicals contained in these products therefore doubly affect our health!

In addition, most are petroleum based. And we all know what effect the mass production of oil has on the environment.

Covid-19 - Environmentally Friendly Cleaning And Disinfection Of Your Home - Is It Possible? 

With the current COVID-19 epidemic, frequent cleaning and disinfection of your home is essential to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

While person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 poses a much greater risk than transmission through surfaces, health experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting high-contact surfaces at least once a day.

And this, even if you do not leave your house!

In fact, each time objects or people enter and leave your home, there is a new possibility of exposure to the virus.

A recent study found that Covid-19 can stay in the air for up to three hours and live on surfaces such as cardboard for up to 24 hours. Finally, on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days.

The multiple periods of confinement or curfews are excellent opportunities to give our planet a well-deserved break.

Indeed, the main communication media are recording a gradual recovery of certain ecosystems and improvement in air quality.

Acting as pleasant reflections of what a reduction in industrial and social activities can achieve, it is also possible to contribute to the change of home!

For the record, before the spread of Covid-19 and its characterization as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change was at the center of global environmental concerns.

However, we can no longer overlook this problem!

On the contrary, daily actions can give continuity to the fight against deforestation and the increase in global temperature. 

The difference between cleaning and disinfection

It's important to note that cleaning a surface - simply removing dirt and particles - is not the same as disinfecting it to kill viruses and bacteria.

There are many green cleaning products that you can use to clean hard surfaces. 

Like soapy water and vinegar, for example.

Remember, removing dust is a necessary part of your home's daily cleaning!

Disinfection or cleaning up to fight COVID-19

You don't need to clean your house from top to bottom every day.

However, you should focus on disinfecting areas that are hot spots for germs.

Here are the most important things to disinfect every day:

• Cabinet and drawer knobs / handles
• Taps
• Kitchen and bathroom counters
• Toilets, especially the seat and handle
• Handles for refrigerator, dishwasher, oven and microwave
• Remote controls and gamepads
• Cellphones, tablets and other mobile devices
• Computer keyboards and mice
• Home door knobs / handles
• Table surfaces
• Stair railings
• Light switches / switch plates

If possible, wear disposable gloves and throw them away after disinfection. 

Still, if you're using reusable gloves, be sure to disinfect them when you're done.

And don't forget to always wash your hands before and after cleaning and sanitizing your home!

Green anti-Covid-19 disinfection

Since putting your health and that of your family first must remain your priority in these terrible times.

The most important thing that you should look for when it comes to cleaning products is that they work effectively against the germs and bacteria that cause COVID-19.

Unfortunately, that means you may be looking for products that are hard to find. And often, you'll be forced to buy household products that contain ingredients you typically avoid or that are made with an abundance of plastic.

However, with careful research, you can still find products that are effective against the virus, and also gentle on the planet.

Experts have compiled a list of environmentally friendly cleaning products, which they found to be both effective and safe in the fight against COVID-19. 

They were able to compile the list by looking at the most commonly used green household disinfectants.

Thus, they were able to prove that they can be effective when it comes to cleaning frequently touched surfaces. Like counters, sinks, bathrooms, doorknobs, light switches, etc.

However, given the current circumstances, many stores selling green cleaning products, and other virus fighting products, are out of stock.

So, it may not be easy to get your hands, clean and freshly washed, on the best products.

Nevertheless, we know that staying safe and healthy is most important to you!

So, we're giving you our top tips on what to do if you're having trouble getting one of the green cleaning products you need.

What if you can't find green cleaning products?

If you are unable to purchase environmentally friendly cleaning or disinfectant products, follow these tips:

Start by looking for cleansers with specific active ingredients, such as:

• hydrogen peroxide,
• ethyl alcohol (ethanol),
• citric acid,
• L-lactic acid,
• caprylic acid (octanoic acid)
• and thymol

They are all less toxic.

We do not recommend cleaners based on:

• sodium hypochlorite - harmful not only to the environment, but also to the skin and respiratory system
• quaternary ammonium compounds - toxic if inhaled, and also known to cause birth defects. Also toxic to marine life if they enter waterways.

As the COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread and claim more and more lives, many people have attempted to make their own disinfectant.

Using natural ingredients, like vinegar, or baking soda, for example.

At Le Chiffon Vert, the cleaning and disinfecting products we use meet the following criteria: 

• be non-toxic
• composed of plant and mineral ingredients
• respect the skin
• not tested on animals
• non-carcinogenic
• biodegradable 
• do not contain phosphate

Where can I find green cleaning products?

They are easily found in organic food stores. 

In some supermarkets, they are also starting to distribute green cleaning products.

However, you can create your own from the comfort of your own home. For example, on Pinterest you will find thousands of ideas and tutorials.

Most importantly, when you buy a product, you look at the labels, which clearly state that it meets all of the green criteria.

Ecologo-certified cleaning products that can be found in Quebec active against the germs and bacteria of Covid-19

Nature Clean offers a whole range of cleaning products.
Compliments Think Green create laundry and cleansers.
Benefect manufactures disinfectants and cleaning products.

General principles of cleaning during the Covid-19 pandemic

In this section, we'll provide you with general cleaning tips for non-medical environments where no one is showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Cleaning and disinfection

Regular cleaning plays an essential role in limiting the transmission of COVID-19.

Reducing the clutter and removing hard-to-clean items can make cleaning easier. 

Increase the frequency of cleaning, using standard cleaning products, paying attention to all surfaces. But especially to those that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, work surfaces, remote controls and electronic devices.

At a minimum, high contact surfaces should be washed twice a day.

Cleaning should be more frequent depending on the number of people using the space.

Cleaning frequently touched surfaces is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens.

When cleaning surfaces, it is not necessary to wear any personal protective equipment or clothing in addition to what would normally be used. However, wearing gloves can be a plus.

Laundry

Clothing and linens should be washed according to label directions.

Thus, there is no additional washing requirement beyond what would normally be done.

Cooked 

COVID-19 is very unlikely to be transmitted through food. 

However, as part of good hygienic practice, anyone who handles food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before doing so. 

Dishes and kitchen utensils should not be shared. 

Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces. Like the counters and the sink.

Bathrooms

Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces such as: faucets, counters and sinks, etc.

Make sure that appropriate Covid-19 hand washing products are available.

When cloth towels are used, they should be for individual use and washed according to the washing instructions.

Waste

Waste does not need to be separated unless someone in the environment has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19.

So, dispose of your waste as usual.

What are the cleaning procedures to have if a person is sick with Covid-19 in your home?

If you have a sick person in your home, it is recommended that you take extra care when cleaning and disinfecting rooms in your home.

Thus, the sick person must remain isolated from the other inhabitants of the house. She should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible.

You should only clean and disinfect the room where the sick person is when necessary. For example when the area is soiled.

This will help to limit your contact with the sick person!

If their condition allows it, you can make cleaning products available to the sick person so that they can clean their own space.

Finally, if you have to share the bathroom with a sick person, they must clean and disinfect the space after each use.

If this is not possible, you will need to wait long enough before cleaning and disinfecting the room. 

 If you are running out of time for the residential household regular service from your home, if you need help with a big cleaning, cleaning after renovation or cleaning after construction, entrust the work to professional teams The chiffon vert.

Request a free estimate today: https://lechiffonvert.ca