by
Lawton Brothers
| Jun 01, 2025
As summer temperatures rise, so do the demands on your facility’s cleaning and maintenance routines. But in today’s world, maintaining a spotless environment isn’t enough—sustainability matters. Whether you're managing a school, office building, medical facility, or industrial site, the shift toward eco-conscious cleaning practices can reduce environmental impact, support public health, and lower long-term costs.
At Lawton Bros, we’ve spent decades helping organizations implement effective, responsible cleaning systems. In this post, we’ll share practical strategies and proven product recommendations to help you clean efficiently and sustainably—especially during the high-demand summer months.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Go Green
Summer cleaning often includes deep cleaning, floor refinishing, restroom sanitation, and HVAC maintenance. These tasks typically require more time, products, and energy than routine cleaning—and therefore, they present an ideal opportunity to adopt greener alternatives.
Benefits of Sustainable Cleaning:
Improved indoor air quality for staff, students, and visitors
Lower exposure to harsh chemicals, especially in sensitive environments
Reduced waste and water usage
Compliance with LEED, Green Seal, and other sustainability certifications
Enhanced brand reputation as an environmentally responsible organization
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Strategies That Work
1. Choose Certified Green Cleaning Products
Start by selecting products that are independently certified for safety, environmental impact, and performance.
Look for certifications such as:
Green Seal®
EPA Safer Choice
Ecologo
These labels ensure products meet strict criteria for biodegradability, toxicity, packaging, and manufacturing practices.
Lawton Bros Tip:
Our product line includes a full range of Green Seal-certified cleaners—from all-purpose sprays and floor strippers to disinfectants and hand soaps.
2. Use Concentrated and Dilutable Products
Concentrated cleaning chemicals reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions—and they save money by allowing you to mix only what you need.
Best Practices:
Use a dilution control system to ensure accuracy and prevent overuse
Train staff on proper dilution and application techniques
Store concentrated chemicals in a secure, well-ventilated space
Lawton Bros Tip:
We offer closed-loop dispensing systems that improve safety and eliminate guesswork while supporting your sustainability goals.
3. Optimize Water and Energy Use
Deep cleaning often involves power equipment and rinsing—but there's a smarter way to manage water and electricity without sacrificing results.
Sustainable Cleaning Practices:
Use low-moisture carpet extractors and auto scrubbers with water recovery systems
Clean floors with microfiber mops that require less water than traditional string mops
Power equipment with battery-efficient or low-energy models
Lawton Bros Tip:
Ask about our auto scrubbers with solution-saving technology, which use up to 70% less water and chemical per job.
4. Reduce Waste with Reusable Tools and Supplies
Single-use wipes, paper towels, and disposable pads generate unnecessary landfill waste. Where possible, switch to reusable options that offer both environmental and economic benefits.
Recommendations:
Use microfiber cloths and mop heads, which trap more dirt and require fewer chemicals
Choose refillable spray bottles and bulk chemical dispensers
Recycle cardboard, plastic containers, and packaging materials from cleaning supplies
Lawton Bros Tip:
We help facility managers implement full microfiber systems—including laundry protocols for sanitation compliance.
5. Improve Indoor Air Quality with Low-VOC Products
Many conventional cleaners, waxes, and strippers emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can linger in indoor air and irritate respiratory systems.
To minimize indoor air pollution:
Use low-VOC or VOC-free products
Apply floor finishes during off-hours or when buildings are well-ventilated
Avoid aerosol sprays whenever possible
Lawton Bros Tip:
We carry a line of low-odor, VOC-compliant floor finishes and strippers ideal for summer floor projects in schools and healthcare settings.
Sustainability Beyond Products: Train, Track, and Improve
Even the most eco-friendly cleaning products can become wasteful if not used properly. That’s why ongoing training and evaluation are critical.
Train Your Staff On:
Safe handling of green chemicals
Efficient use of tools and water
Proper disposal and recycling of containers
Identifying areas where greener practices can be applied
Track Progress:
Monitor product consumption
Evaluate water and energy savings
Solicit feedback from staff and occupants
Lawton Bros Tip:
We provide onsite training, usage audits, and sustainability reporting tools to help your team track performance and continuously improve.
Clean Smarter, Clean Greener This Summer
Adopting sustainable cleaning practices during the summer months doesn’t mean sacrificing performance—it means maximizing efficiency, protecting people and the planet, and building a better facility for the future.
Ready to go green?
Let Lawton Bros help you build a sustainable summer cleaning program with the right tools, products, and training. Contact your local rep at 800-432-0813 or browse our eco-friendly catalog to get started today.