College Cleaners Going Greener

Newberry College is implementing a new cleaning system that will eliminate many of its day-to-day cleaning chemicals and replace them with a system that will allow the College to generate green cleaning products right on campus that are safer to use and easier on the environment.

The innovative system creates an effective cleaning product from easily accessible, common ingredients: tap water and salt. Softened tap water (H2O) and salt (NaCl) are combined in an electrolytic cell where a chemical reaction occurs. The result is a mixture of two separate solutions: NaOH, which is used as a multi-surface cleaner, and HOCl, which is used as a disinfecting/sanitizing solution. Cleaning staff tested the products in their own homes and gave them rave reviews. The system was installed last week and will be fully implemented after spring break.

The system is beneficial to the campus community in several ways. The product is safer to use, particularly for cleaning staff, by reducing exposure to harsh chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) a relief to anyone with allergies or chemical sensitivities. The system saves time and money by replacing the variety of chemicals used to clean glass, floors, stainless steel, carpets and surfaces with one multi-surface cleaner and one sanitizing solution. Because the product is generated on-campus with minimal raw materials, the College also shrinks its environmental footprint by reducing packaging waste, reducing chemical deliveries to campus and reducing pollutants.

This cleaning technology is a great way to support sustainability efforts at the College, said director of Facilities Fred Errigo. Its a simple and cost-effective way to create a safer and healthier environment for students, faculty and staff.