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Green Cleaning

Student Housing has in place a Green Cleaning Policy and High Performance Cleaning Program that applies to Emerson, Webster, Thoreau, Wall, Campbell and Potter Halls. The goal of the Green Cleaning Policy and High Performance Cleaning Program is to minimize exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological and particle contaminants which may adversely impact air quality, health, building finishes and systems, and the environment, and to balance these needs with the cost and quality of the managed systems to provide a sustainable approach to cleaning and janitorial maintenance. (Cleaning procedures and products are not different in the other residence halls, but there is a special tracking program in place in the aforementioned halls.)

Program Goals

Wherever feasible, cleaning products and materials shall meet the sustainability requirements of LEED® for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance™ IEQ Credit 3.3: Green Cleaning, Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials, with a target goal of 60% compliance. All new powered cleaning equipment, and 20% of existing, should comply with the requirements of LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M IEQ Credit 3.4: Green Cleaning, Sustainable Cleaning Equipment.

Green Cleaning by Residents

Student Housing recommends that residents use the products and equipment supplied at the area service desk so that residents may maintain their personal living spaces in a manner that reduces negative impacts on the environment and personal health.

If residents choose to purchase their own cleaning products and equipment, they should consider purchasing products that meet at least one of the following criteria from the appropriate category:

  • Cleaning Products
  • Cleaning Equipment
    • Certified by the CRI Seal of Approval Testing Program
    • Sound level less than 70 dBA
    • Captures at least 96% of particulates of 0.3 microns in size

Cleaning Guidelines

General Cleaning Tips

  1. Clean all surfaces as instructed in the Walls & Doors, Windows & Mirrors, Floor, and Furniture guidelines on a regular basis. This will reduce buildup of dust, debris, and grime that can lead to illness, produce an odor, or be unpleasant.
  2. Remember to wash sheets and linens regularly.
  3. Check your trash and remove it frequently to avoid odors or illnesses.
  4. This is your space. Live in it how you want but remember that cleaning it is no one’s responsibility but your own.

Bathroom

  1. Check bathroom walls for cobwebs and mold. Use a cobwebber or broom to remove cobwebs. Use a rag with all-purpose cleaner to wipe clean.
  2. Check bathroom mirrors and windows. Wipe with a rag and all-purpose cleaner.
  3. Wipe with a dry rag to remove any spots and streaks.
  4. Wipe sink and counter space with a rag and all-purpose cleaner.
  5. Wipe all shower surfaces with a rag and all-purpose cleaner.
  6. Wipe all toilet surfaces with a rag and all-purpose cleaner.
  7. Use a toilet bowl scrubber to clean the toilet bowl.
  8. Sweep the floor to remove all trash and debris.
  9. Mop the floor to clean.
  10. Remove trash and ensure all toiletry supplies are well stocked.

Carpet

  1. Check vacuum cleaner for damage. If vacuum is full, empty contents prior to use.
  2. Inspect carpet and remove any objects that can cause damage to the vacuum cleaner.
  3. Plug in the vacuum and move the vacuum forward and backward across the carpet until all areas have been cleaned.
  4. When vacuuming is complete, walk to the outlet to unplug the cord. Wrap the cord into the cord holder before storing the vacuum away.

Electronics

  1. Turn off electronics and unplug to avoid electric shock or damage to the electronics.
  2. Lightly dampen a rag with all-purpose cleaner and wipe to clean.
  3. Dry well to remove all remaining liquid before repowering electronics.

Hard Floor Surface

  1. Sweep floor to remove dust and dirt.
  2. Use all-purpose cleaner and a mop to wash the floor.
  3. Use a clean rag to dry or allow necessary time to air dry.

Laundry

  1. Select benign and environmentally-safe detergents. Avoid using harmful chemicals such as bleach, and detergents that use synthetic fragrances or dyes.
  2. Wash with cold water to help preserve the dyes of colored loads.
  3. Be sure to clear your laundry as quickly as possible. Do not let it sit in the machines as others may need to start their laundry.
  4. Check lint trap before drying and remove lint when your drying cycle is done.
  5. Fold clothing in a provided space or in your residence to not obstruct others from doing laundry.

Walls & Doors

  1. Check ceiling and walls for cobwebs. Use a cobwebber or broom to remove.
  2. Spray a dry rag with all-purpose cleaner and wipe to clean.
  3. Use a dry rag to finish.

Windows & Mirrors

  1. Spray a dry rag with all-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner.
  2. Wipe glass surfaces to remove any dirt or buildup.
  3. Wipe dry with a clean rag to remove all spots and streaks. (Washing during daylight hours will help you better notice streaks)