How to Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies for Your Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean and hygienic is essential, but it does not have to come at the expense of sustainability. Many businesses are now reviewing their cleaning products, washroom supplies and janitorial essentials as part of a wider move towards greener procurement.

In this guide, we explain what to look for when choosing eco-friendly cleaning supplies, how to balance performance with environmental responsibility, and where to start when improving your workplace cleaning routine.

Why sustainable cleaning supplies matter

Cleaning products are used regularly in offices, schools, warehouses, healthcare settings, public spaces and commercial facilities. Because they are bought and replaced frequently, small improvements can quickly add up.

Choosing more sustainable cleaning supplies can help businesses:

• Reduce unnecessary plastic waste
• Choose biodegradable or lower-impact formulations where available
• Improve workplace hygiene without relying on excessive chemicals
• Support internal sustainability and procurement goals
• Create cleaner, healthier working environments

You can browse our full cleaning supplies and janitorial products range for everyday workplace cleaning essentials.

What to look for in eco-friendly cleaning products

Not every product labelled as “green” is automatically the best choice. When comparing options, look for practical evidence that the product is suitable for both cleaning performance and environmental impact.

Useful things to check include:

• Biodegradable formulations where appropriate
• Plant-based ingredients for selected cleaning products
• Concentrated formats that reduce packaging and transport impact
• Refill options to reduce single-use plastic
• Recognised certifications such as EU Ecolabel where available
• Suitable use cases for surfaces, floors, glass, washrooms or food areas

For specialist options, explore our cleaning supplies category, including products for surface cleaning, hygiene, waste management and everyday maintenance.

Start with everyday surface cleaning

Surface cleaning is one of the easiest places to begin. Desks, meeting tables, reception areas, shared kitchens and touchpoints all need regular cleaning, especially in busy workplaces.

When reviewing surface cleaning products, consider:

• Whether a ready-to-use or concentrated product is more suitable
• How frequently the area is cleaned
• Whether disinfecting performance is required
• Whether reusable cloths can replace some disposable wipes
• Whether packaging can be reduced through bulk or refill purchasing

For quick cleaning tasks, you can also browse cleaning wipes, including options suitable for everyday workplace use.

Choose the right cleaning equipment

Eco-friendly cleaning is not only about chemicals. The right equipment can improve cleaning efficiency, reduce product waste and help teams maintain consistent hygiene standards.

Useful workplace cleaning equipment may include:

• Mops and buckets for floor cleaning
• Microfibre cloths for reusable surface cleaning
• Brushes, brooms and dustpans for daily maintenance
• Vacuum cleaners and floor care equipment
• Waste bins and recycling systems

Explore our cleaning equipment and janitorial equipment range for practical workplace cleaning tools.

Do not overlook washroom hygiene

Washrooms are a major part of workplace hygiene and user experience. They are also an important area for reducing waste through better product choices.

When reviewing washroom supplies, look at:

• Toilet tissue and paper towel usage
• Soap and dispenser systems
• Refillable formats where available
• Waste disposal and bin liners
• Cleaning schedules and stock control

Browse our washroom supplies and hygiene products to keep facilities clean, stocked and comfortable.

How to make workplace cleaning more sustainable

Improving cleaning sustainability does not always require a complete change overnight. A phased approach is usually easier for teams and facilities managers to adopt.

Start with these steps:

• Audit your current cleaning products and identify high-use items
• Switch one product group at a time, such as surface cleaners or cloths
• Choose concentrated or refillable products where practical
• Reduce unnecessary single-use wipes where reusable cloths are suitable
• Train staff or cleaning teams on correct dilution and usage
• Review waste and recycling points across the workplace

For wider workplace improvements, read our guide to 50 ways to make your office more eco-friendly.

Cleaning supplies as part of facilities management

Cleaning, washroom, catering, waste management and site support products often sit under the same facilities management budget. Looking at these areas together can help businesses make more joined-up purchasing decisions.

For a broader view, explore our facilities management supplies, including cleaning, hygiene, catering, washroom and workplace essentials.

Final thoughts

Eco-friendly cleaning supplies can help businesses maintain high hygiene standards while supporting greener procurement. The best approach is practical: choose products that work well, reduce unnecessary waste and fit your workplace’s cleaning routines.

Start by reviewing your most frequently used products, then explore more sustainable options across cleaning supplies, cleaning equipment and washroom supplies.