What’s in your detergents and cleaning products?

This UN World Environment Day, discover what ingredients you should avoid and how they can affect both people and the planet.

Have you ever stopped to think about what’s in the cleaning products you use? Many standard detergents and cleaning products can be filled with substances that cause harm.
Knowledge is power and once you understand more about the dangers of chemicals in certain cleaning products, you can make informed decisions for your business and invest in sustainable cleaning products that still do the job efficiently.

Some ingredients commonly found in many cleaners can cause respiratory irritation and contribute to water pollution. Chemicals such as ammonia, phthalates, and formaldehyde are associated with respiratory problems, allergies, and long-term health effects, but are often found in cleaning products and detergents.

Driving change begins with addressing these concerns. Electrolux Professional Group prioritizes the development of products that are safe for users, equipment, and the environment. Our ethos focuses on formulating cleaning solutions that deliver effective results while avoiding the potential dangers of chemicals, whether it’s cleaning your professional kitchen or managing a commercial laundry.

When it comes to kitchen cleaning, the detergents we use play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Dishwashers and oven detergents face unique challenges due to the nature of the tasks they perform. Dishwashers need to remove food residue from various types of dishware, including delicate glassware.

The detergent used needs to be robust without damaging the items being cleaned, and you don’t want a residue left on surfaces which could be ingested the nest time the items are used.

For ovens, a strong detergent is needed to remove stubborn, baked-on grime, but that doesn’t mean free use of powerful ingredients as this is still a place where food is prepared.
As well as being safe and environmentally friendly, there are increasing calls for detergents that are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals altogether.

One common ingredient found in kitchen detergents is phosphates. Phosphates act as chelating agents, preventing minerals in hard water from interfering with the cleaning process.
They help soften the water by preventing the binding of magnesium and calcium ions with surfactants. However, the presence of phosphates in cleaning products can have detrimental effects on the environment.

Phosphates come from phosphorous, a naturally occurring nutrient that is necessary for plant growth. These can contaminate water sources when washed down drains. In large quantities, they accumulate in lakes and rivers, promoting the growth of algal blooms. These blooms increase weed growth and deplete oxygen levels, resulting in the death of fish and other aquatic life.

Phosphate residue can also cause nausea and diarrhea as well as skin conditions in some people.

One way to do your bit for the environment and for the health and wellbeing of your customers is by choosing to use eco-friendly kitchen cleaning products that effectively remove dirt and grime without relying on harsh chemicals.

At Electrolux Professional, SkyLine oven detergents are both phosphate and phosphorous-free without sacrificing the hygiene cleanliness guarantee a professional kitchen needs.

With detergents and rinse&descale available you can ensure optimal cleaning cycles in all water conditions and lime deposit removal, without relying on damaging ingredients.

Electrolux Professional’s eco detergents for dishwashers are also free of polyphosphates and have been intensively tested to ensure optimum cleaning. The accompanying Eco Rinse Aid also uses a highly concentrated formula with surfactants of vegetable origin to ensure a low environmental impact.

With different options for soft and hard water areas, as well as high concentrations so the minimal amount of product needs to be used, Electrolux Professional has developed a line for ovens and dishwashers, as well as degreasers for hot surfaces, with ingredients approved by both regulatory authorities and our Restricted Material List.

Cleaning doesn’t stop in the kitchen. Businesses with commercial laundries or in-house laundry facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and healthcare facilities, need to consider the chemicals present in their laundry detergents.

Laundry detergents can contain various toxic chemicals that may pose risks to both health and wellbeing and the environment. Detergents containing Chlorine-based bleaches, for instance, are more aggressive compared to our Oxigen-based ones, which don’t cause damage to textiles.

These compounds can potentially cause a variety of issues such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradability, damage to aquatic life, and some, like 1,4-dioxane, are even suspected carcinogens.

As a business, you want to do your best for the planet and the wellbeing of your workers who may come into contact with these hazardous ingredients. Understanding the chemicals in laundry detergents is essential for making informed choices that promote sustainability and safety.

When it comes to laundry detergent, every business wants a high-performing solution while using minimal doses, and ideally an efficient detergent that works at 30 °C without using damaging ingredients can help you do your bit for the environment, too.

Electrolux Professional’s Line 6000 eco-range detergents provide a sustainable solution for businesses in need of high-performance laundry cleaning.

These detergents are certified with the European Ecolabel, which means they adhere to strict specifications on raw materials, performance criteria, and environmental friendliness.

The Line 6000 eco-range detergents are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and Ecolabel certified. They offer a combination of high-quality cleaning, safety, and effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact.

Additionally, they carry the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, meaning they comply with stringent environmental and climate requirements, including high standards for chemical composition, biodegradability, resource efficiency, and low greenhouse gas emissions.

Laundry Swan Wash, one of Electrolux Professional’s sustainable washing detergents, stands out due to its phosphate and silicate-free formulations. Silicates, commonly used in detergents, can contribute to water pollution,sediment build-up in water systems, and have potential health risks associated with skin irritation and respiratory issues.

By choosing Line 6000 eco-range detergents, businesses expand their sustainability efforts and can proudly communicate their commitment to customers. This choice not only gains preference and trust, but also contributes to a greener future by reducing the environmental footprint associated with laundry operations.

This World Environment Day, we support businesses that are making smarter, more sustainable choices.

By choosing high-quality eco friendly commercial cleaning products, you have an opportunity to prioritize your environmental responsibilities and worker safety to make a positive impact on both people and planet. And it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing effectiveness.

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