Sustainability in healthcare cleaning: why using eco-friendly cleaning agents matters (for staff, patients and the planet)
Effective cleaning and sanitization are the backbone of every healthcare facility. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of both patients and staff. However, what happens when such organizations use harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach or Quats (quaternary ammonium compounds)? These substances immediately pose a threat to patients, doctors, cleaners, and the planet. So, what is the true purpose of their cleaning efforts if it comes at such a cost?
As the healthcare industry evolves, the shift toward eco-friendly cleaning detergents is no longer just a trend—it’s a crucial move toward human safety and sustainability.
In this article, we’ll explore why sustainable cleaning alternatives are becoming an essential part of healthcare hygiene. We will also examine the difference between cleaning agents and disinfectants and how you can avoid the negative consequences of the latter by adopting eco-friendly cleaning practices.
Cleaning Agent vs. Disinfectant: What’s Better to Use?
When it comes to maintaining hygiene in healthcare, it's important to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfection — and when each is truly necessary. Cleaning refers to the physical removal of dirt, organic matter, and most viable microorganisms from surfaces using water and cleaning agents. While it doesn’t necessarily kill germs, it significantly reduces their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. Disinfection, on the other hand, involves using chemicals to kill microorganisms on surfaces. However, frequent use of disinfectants comes with great risks for the people and planet.
According to guidelines from organizations such as the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) and HPA (Health Protection Agency), Best practice in healthcare environment decontamination, routine cleaning with appropriate detergents is generally sufficient for non-critical areas such as floors, walls, and general surfaces. Scientific studies support that frequent and thorough cleaning can effectively prevent the accumulation and spread of pathogens, reducing the need for disinfectants and consequently, the risks.
“In non-critical areas, frequent and proper cleaning practices can often reduce or eliminate the need for routine disinfection.”– Jose Ramirez, Global Science Adviser of i-team Global
Risks of long-term exposure to disinfectants
Disinfectants in healthcare typically include bleach (sodium hypochlorite), ammonia, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and 2-butoxyethanol, among others. These chemicals are effective in killing a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them essential for infection control.
However, they come with their own set of problems:
Skin irritation and burns
Direct contact with cleaning detergents can lead to skin irritation or burns. Some people may develop rashes, blisters, or more severe reactions due to chemical sensitivity. Healthcare workers who encounter frequent exposure to these products, may also develop allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, or burns. National Library of Medicine Research indicates that the biggest percentage of the health problems hospital cleaning staff faces are eye irritation (55%), and skin problems (24%) due to disinfectant exposure.
Patients can also be affected by cleaning detergents. If not rinsed properly, chemical residues may stay on hospital beds, chairs, or medical equipment. This can cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin, such as people with eczema, burns, the elderly, or newborns.
Respiratory issues
When cleaning agents are sprayed or used in poorly ventilated areas, they can release fumes or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These components are present in isopropyl alcohol and ethanol-based cleaners. Due to their quick disinfection properties, they are commonly used in patient or operation rooms where frequent and urgent cleaning is needed. Inhaling these chemicals, though, can lead to headaches, dizziness, coughing, shortness of breath, and long-term respiratory conditions for both staff and patients.
Poisoning
As already mentioned, most of the sterilizers contain harmful components. That is why, healthcare organizations can be at risk if cleaning agents are mistakenly ingested or come into contact with patients. This especially applies to those with cognitive impairments or young children. The consequences are poisoning or severe gastrointestinal distress.
Long-term health risks
Chronic exposure to certain cleaning products, particularly those with toxic or carcinogenic properties, can result in long-term health issues. This is mainly because they remain in the human body long after being inhaled. This is the case with the all traditional detergents, containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Prolonged heavy exposure leads to respiratory diseases, reproductive health problems, or even an increased risk of cancer.
Environmental harm
In healthcare settings, the extensive use of cleaning agents containing chemicals such as phosphates, ammonia, and chlorine can lead to significant environmental concerns. When these substances enter water systems through drainage, they can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and have negative consequences on their population. For example, chlorine-based disinfectants, commonly used in hospitals, are highly toxic to marine life. They destroy their gills and weakens their immune system.
Additionally, many sterilizers release VOCs into the air, which contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution. If traditional detergents are disposed impoperly, they can also contaminate the soil, affecting plant growth and reducing soil fertility. As a result, when the environment is harmed, we are affected, too.
Eco-friendly detergents: better option for everyone
In hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities patients are highly vulnerable to the negative effects of disinfectants. That is why, implementing eco-friendly solutions is essential —not only for protecting patients and staff but also for reducing environmental harm.
A safer and healthier cleaning approach
Harsh cleaning agents not only affect patients but also pose risks to healthcare workers who use them daily. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals is linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even chronic illnesses. Eco-friendly cleaning solutions, are typically made from plant-based ingredients. They offer a safer alternative without compromising on effectiveness. These products break down naturally, reducing exposure to harmful residues and improving indoor air quality. The result is a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone. By switching to non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners, healthcare organizations can protect their employees from health risks while maintaining effective sanitation.
Simpler aplication
Many eco-friendly cleaners are also pre-measured which reduces waste, resources and saves time. It eliminates the need for staff to manually measure the correct amount of detergent, limiting the risk of overuse or underuse. By simplifying the cleaning process, healthcare workers can focus more on patient care and less on manual cleaning procedures. As a result, the cleaning process becomes quicker, more efficient and consistent.
A more sustainable future
Beyond personal health benefits, the sustainable cleaning alternative have positive impact on the environmental. Because of its clean composition, it reduces harmful emissions and protects the wildlife. By using green solutions, healthcare facilities play a crucial role in minimizing their environmental footprint while maintaining high sanitation standards.
Our solution: the i-dose
We are aware of the challenges that healthcare facilities face and the concerns they have when it comes to alternative cleaning solutions. The main one is that plant-derived products may not be efficient enough. Or they may not deliver the same cleaning results as their traditional competitors. However, this is no longer the case.
With the i-dose 100 % eco-friendly detergent, you get the perfect balance of powerful cleaning and environmental responsibility. The product is made of plant-derived ingredients only, like coconut oil, sustainably produced palm kernels (RSPO), citric acid, sugar beet, sugar cane, and corn. This makes it a safer and gentler solution on the cleaning staff, patients and visitors.
"With i-dose, we believe we have one of the most sustainable and safe solutions on the market." – Edwin Prijden, Ambassador of Business Development
Using i-dose pods also eliminates the need for manual measuring, ensuring the right amount of detergent every time. Each pod delivers consistent, effective cleaning results—saving time, reducing waste, and cutting costs. Whether it's for sanitation, daily cleaning, or heavily soiled surfaces, i-dose has you covered. Pair it with one of our i-mops for effortless, safer, and more effective cleaning time after time.
Conclusion
Traditional cleaning agents may effectively sanitize surfaces, but they come at a high cost: respiratory issues, skin irritation, chronic illnesses, and environmental damage. Using eco-friendly alternatives like the i-dose system in non-critical areas helps healthcare facilities maintain high hygiene standards without harming staff, patients, or the planet.
A cleaner, safer healthcare environement starts today
Small changes can make a big impact. Prioritize the safety, sustainability, and efficiency in your healthcare organization while achieving flawless cleaning results with the i-dose! Make the switch today— for your staff, your patients, and the planet.
