What Sets Green Cleaning Apart?
Green cleaning isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about making a positive impact on the world around us.  Green cleaning relies on non-toxic, biodegradable products and methods to cleanse spaces effectively. With the rise in environmental awareness, more people are turning to green cleaning as the preferred choice for homes and businesses.

What if I’m unhappy with the service?
Unhappy with the service you received? No problem! At Raquel’s Home
Services, we ensure a seamless experience. If it’s determined that our
cleaners didn’t meet our rigorous cleaning standards, and you can
provide evidence of the issues encountered, we’ll dispatch a cleaner
back to your provided address at absolutely no charge to ensure the job
is completed to your satisfaction!

The Unpleasant Reality of Mainstream Cleaning Supplies and Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

Maintaining a clean and inviting home is a universal desire. However, this goal shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being. Ensuring that the products you use are gentle on both your health and the environment is crucial. Many commercial cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contaminate indoor air and lead to various health issues, such as skin irritation and allergic reactions. Beyond these immediate effects, exposure to VOCs can also result in headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Thankfully, there’s a safer option available. Opting for green cleaning products allows you to achieve cleanliness without jeopardizing your family’s health. 

By choosing eco-friendly alternatives, you can achieve the same level of cleanliness without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. Simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can serve as effective substitutes for commercial cleaners, safeguarding your family’s health while also being budget-friendly. Regardless of the cleaning products you use, proper ventilation is essential. Opening windows and running a fan for at least 30 minutes post-cleaning can help dissipate harsh odors and circulate fresh air.

               “Constant exposure to these chemicals
               [Regular household cleaning chemicals]
               can create a build up in our bodies,
               which can lead to some pretty scary
               health defects including weakened
               immunity, hormonal imbalances,
               reduced fertility and an increased
               risk of cancer.” – From article
               “Is Scotchgard Safe?” at
               https://au.protectmeproducts.co
               /blogs/learn-more/is-scotchgard-
               safe

Benefits of Green Cleaning:

1. Environmental Preservation: Unlike conventional cleaning methods that harm the environment, green cleaning promotes sustainability by using eco-friendly products and practices.
2. Healthier Spaces: Enjoy cleaner, healthier living and working environments free from harmful chemicals found in traditional cleaning agents.
3. Reduced Allergens: Say goodbye to allergens and hello to improved indoor air quality, creating a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone.
4. Cost-Effective Solutions: Save money in the long run by reducing the need for expensive cleaning agents and potential health-related expenses.
5. Community Support: Support local businesses and promote sustainable practices by opting for green cleaning services.

Is Eco-Cleaning safe for my children and pets?

Our eco-friendly cleaning products are safe for all members of your household, including your children and your furry friends, being diluted to safe levels for use around pets and children, as well as being bio-degradable.

If you are really concerned about the well-being of your pets who cannot handle essential oils as well due to lacking the enzymes needed to break them down, you can ask your appointment setter before your appointment to organise a green cleaning service using extra pet friendly green cleaning agents, or a combination extra pet friendly oil mixture for steam cleaning, such as lemongrass, lavendar, cedar, and sage oil, or a combination of them, which each have potent anti-microbial properties on their own despite being safe to use around pets and children.

We dilute all of our essential oils to a sufficient degree to ensure they do not pose a danger to cats and dogs in our eco-cleaning domestic cleaning services, however if you still have concerns about safety for pets simply specify that you would like extra pet friendly cleaning agents used with your eco-cleaning domestic cleaning service, before your appointment to your
appointment setter and we will arrange for the right cleaner to come to you.

Dogs are particularly sensitive to tea-tree, eucalyptus,  cinnamon,  citrus, lemon myrtle, peppermint and clove oils we may use in our
eco-cleaning services. Cats are particularly sensitive to tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and patchouli oils, and to a lesser extent peppermint oil; but our furry friends can handle other oils such as lemongrass, lavendar, cedar, and sage oil which are considered safe to use around household pets.

Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils:
In the realm of green cleaning, essential oils play a crucial role in providing natural solutions to common cleaning challenges. From eucalyptus oil to tea tree oil, these essential oils offer a safe and effective alternative to harsh chemicals.  Essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree oil work tirelessly to combat dirt, grime, and bacteria, leaving behind a fresh, invigorating scent.

Essential Oils: Nature’s Cleaning Arsenal
In the world of green cleaning, essential oils serve as the unsung heroes, offering natural solutions to everyday cleaning dilemmas. Think of them as the trusted allies in your cleaning toolkit, ready to tackle dirt, grime, and odors with ease. Here’s a lineup of essential oils commonly used in green cleaning, along with their unique benefits. Some of the essential oils used by cleaners at Raquel’s Home Services in our green cleaning/eco cleaning package for our regular domestic cleaning services include:

• Eucalyptus Oil: Picture eucalyptus oil as your reliable sidekick, swooping in to disinfect surfaces and leave behind a refreshing scent. Its natural antibacterial properties make it perfect for banishing germs and revitalizing spaces.

• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its potent antimicrobial powers, tea tree oil is like a superhero against mold and mildew. It purifies the air while fighting off unwanted microbial invaders, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment.
• Lavender Oil: Enter lavender oil, the soothing balm for your cleaning woes. Not only does it calm the senses with its delightful aroma, but it also boasts antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a formidable force against germs.
• Patchouli Oil: Harness the potent antimicrobial properties of patchouli oil to deeply cleanse and purify your surroundings, enveloping your space in an earthy, grounding aroma.
• Sage Oil: Utilize the powerful antifungal and antimicrobial qualities of sage oil to cleanse and refresh your environment, while its herbal scent uplifts and revitalizes the atmosphere.
• Orange Oil: Embrace the natural antimicrobial power of orange oil as it effortlessly eliminates germs and odors, leaving behind a revitalizing citrus aroma that brightens and invigorates your space.
• Peppermint Oil: Refreshing and invigorating, peppermint oil is like a breath of fresh air for your home. Its crisp scent not only repels insects but also serves as a natural air freshener, leaving rooms smelling minty clean.
• Clove Oil: Meet clove oil, the powerhouse against mold and bacteria. With its potent antimicrobial properties, it effectively combats microbial growth while leaving behind a warm and spicy fragrance.
• Lemon Myrtle Oil: Bursting with antibacterial prowess, lemon myrtle oil is your go-to for cleaning and deodorizing surfaces. Its fresh and zesty aroma adds a touch of brightness to any space.
• Cedar Oil: Like a protective shield, cedar oil wards off insects while imparting a woody fragrance that lingers in the air. It’s nature’s way of keeping your home smelling fresh and inviting.
• Lemongrass Oil: With its invigorating citrus scent, lemongrass oil is a powerhouse when it comes to freshening up spaces. It not only acts as a natural air freshener but also doubles as a surface cleaner, leaving surfaces sparkling clean.

These essential oils aren’t just cleaners; they’re the ultimate allies in your quest for a cleaner, greener home. Harness their natural powers and transform your cleaning routine into a fragrant and eco-friendly experience.

Naturally Combating Bacteria and Mould with Essential Oils
In the ongoing battle against mould, six essential oils emerge as formidable allies: clove oil, tea tree oil, patchouli oil, sage oil, and orange oil. These natural agents possess unique properties that make them effective fighters against bacterial infections and mould infestations, due to their antimicrobial properties, which when used together in conjunction their antimicrobial properties are enhanced.

• Clove Oil: With its powerful antimicrobial properties, clove oil is a potent adversary against mold growth and foodborne diseases including E. coli and S. aureus. Think of it as a skilled cleaner, penetrating deep into mold spores to inhibit their growth and prevent further spread. Moreover, its warm, spicy aroma not only freshens spaces but also signals the eradication of mold, transforming environments into havens of cleanliness.
• Tea Tree Oil: Renowned for its antimicrobial strength, tea tree oil acts as a vigilant protector against mold and mildew, as well as very dangerous microbes including methicillin-resistant Stapylococcus aureus (MRSA). Like a thorough cleaner, it dismantles mold colonies and purifies surfaces, improving indoor air quality in the process. By eliminating existing mold and preventing its recurrence, tea tree oil ensures lasting protection for homes and businesses alike.
• Patchouli Oil: With documented antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, patchouli oil serves as a reliable defender against a variety of pathogens, contributing to a thorough cleansing and purification of your surroundings. Its earthy aroma adds a soothing touch to your environment, enhancing the feeling of freshness and rejuvenation.
• Sage Oil: Supported by research for its antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities, sage oil acts as a trustworthy shield against harmful pathogens, promoting cleanliness and purity in your home. Its herbal fragrance not only cleanses the air but also rejuvenates the senses, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and clarity.
• Orange Oil: Backed by scientific evidence of its antibacterial and antimicrobial efficacy, orange oil is a versatile tool in your cleaning arsenal, effectively purifying your space and eliminating undesirable pathogens. As its refreshing citrus scent fills the air, you can enjoy a clean and invigorated environment, knowing that your surroundings are both sanitized and revitalized.
• Lavender Oil: With its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, lavender oil not only effectively combats germs and mold but also fills your space
  with a delightful fragrance, promoting a sense of relaxation and cleanliness.
• Lemongrass Oil: With its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, lemongrass oil acts as a formidable barrier against extremely harmful microbes, such as methicillin-resistant Stapylococcus aureus (MRSA) which is otherwise known to devastate diabetes type 1s and a superbug which develops in hospitals which is resistant to antibiotics, whilst lemongrass effectively inhibits MRSA’s growth and proliferation. Its citrusy aroma not only revitalizes spaces but also signifies the thorough cleansing and purification of your environment.
• Lemon Myrtle Oil: Renowned for its powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial strength, lemon myrtle oil serves as a vigilant guardian against a variety of pathogens, ensuring a thorough purification of your surroundings. Its refreshing citrus scent not only cleanses the air but also promotes a sense of invigoration and cleanliness.
• Peppermint Oil: Backed by scientific evidence of its antimicrobial and antibacterial efficacy, peppermint oil is a versatile asset in your cleaning arsenal, effectively neutralizing undesirable pathogens and promoting a hygienic environment. As its refreshing minty aroma fills the air, you can enjoy a space that is both sanitized and revitalized.
• Cedar Oil: A must have in any cleaning toolkit, it’s anti-fungal properties stand unparalleled and it is safe to use around cats, dogs and children. Cedar oil stands as a formidable defender against a spectrum of harmful microbes, ensuring thorough cleansing and purification of your environment. Its woody aroma not only imbues spaces with a sense of warmth, creating a sanctuary of cleanliness and tranquility, but it also inhibits fungal growth of all fungi which are known to target some decaying vegetables including carrots and celery.

Several studies have investigated the antimicrobial properties of essential oils against various bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus, among others. Tea tree oil, for example, has been widely studied for its antimicrobial activity. Research has shown that it exhibits inhibitory effects against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, among other bacteria.
         “Topical tea tree oil regimens show similar
          efficacy to standard treatments for
          decolonizing the body from methicillin-
          resistant Staphylococcus aureus,”
          –From Kairey L, Agnew T, Bowles EJ,
          Barkla BJ, Wardle J, Lauche R.
          Efficacy and safety of Melaleuca
          alternifolia (tea tree) oil for human health –
          A systematic review of randomized
          controlled trials.
          Front Pharmacol. 2023 Mar 24

Lavender oil has also demonstrated antimicrobial properties in several studies. It has shown effectiveness against a range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus and E. coli.
       “LEO[Lavendar Essential Oil] appears to be
        an efficient enhancer of the well-known
        antiseptic OCT against MRSA strains. It
        potentially influences bacterial permeation
        by modifying the cell wall structure. …
        Therefore LEO appears to offer therapeutic as
        well as preventive potential in the post-
        antibiotic era.”
        -From Kwiatkowski P, Łopusiewicz Ł,
         Kostek M, Drozłowska E, Pruss A,
         Wojciuk B, Sienkiewicz M,
         Zielińska-Bliźniewska H, Dołęgowska B.
         The Antibacterial Activity of Lavender
         Essential Oil Alone and In Combination
         with Octenidine Dihydrochloride against
         MRSA Strains.
         Molecules. 2019 Dec 26;25(1):95.

Peppermint oil, clove oil, lemon myrtle oil, cedar oil, and lemongrass oil have all been studied for their antimicrobial activity as well, they have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus.
         “The antimicrobial activity results revealed
          that PEP [Peppermint Essential Oil] loaded
          PCL electrospun fiber mats exhibited
          inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus
          (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli
          (gram-negative) bacteria”    
         –From Unalan I, Slavik B, Buettner A,
          Goldmann WH, Frank G, Boccaccini AR.
          Physical and Antibacterial Properties of
          Peppermint Essential Oil Loaded Poly
          (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) Electrospun Fiber
          Mats for Wound Healing.
          Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2019 Nov 26;7:346.     

         “The results demonstrated that eugenol
         [Clove Essential Oil]  could effectively inhibit
         the growth of S. aureus and E. coli, and
         is therefore a potential natural antibacterial
         agent for controlling foodborne diseases
         induced by S. aureus and E.”
        -From Jingwen Bai, Jianqiang Li,
         Zhiyuan Chen, Xuedong Bai, Zhenyuan Yang,
         Zitong Wang, Yu Yang,
         Antibacterial activity and mechanism of clove
         essential oil against foodborne pathogens,
         LWT, Volume 173, 2023, 114249.

         “Lemon myrtle oil was shown to possess
          significant antimicrobial activity against
          the organisms Staphylococcus aureus,
          Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
          Candida albicans, methicillin-resistant
          S. aureus (MRSA), Aspergillus niger,
          Klebsiella pneumoniae and
          Propionibacterium acnes comparable to
          its major component-citral.”
          -From Hayes AJ, Markovic B. Toxicity of
          Australian essential oil Backhousia
          citriodora (Lemon myrtle). Part 1.
          Antimicrobial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity.
          Food Chem Toxicol. 2002 Apr;40(4):535-43.

          “Our results showed that CEO[Cedar Essential
           Oil] had strong antibacterial effectiveness
           against the growth of M. luteus and S.
           marcescens on the bread, carrot, and celery
           models. The food industry primarily uses
           essential oils (EOs) as flavorings. Our results
           also showed antifungal activity of CEO
           against P. aurantiogriseum, P. expansum,
           P. chrysogenum, and P. italicum growing on
           the bread model. The highest concentrations
           of the EO displayed very strong antifungal
           effectiveness against the growth of all fungi
           strains tested on carrots and celery as
           substrates. EOs belong to the group of
           antimicrobial agents used as food
           preservatives for controlling food spoilage
           and foodborne pathogenic bacteria based
           on their growth inhibition properties”
          -From Kačániová M, Galovičová L, Valková V,
          Ďuranová H, Štefániková J, Čmiková N,
          Vukic M, Vukovic NL, Kowalczewski PŁ.
          Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, In Vitro
          and In Situ Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and
          Anti-Insect Activity of Cedar atlantica
          Essential Oil.
          Plants (Basel). 2022 Jan 28;11(3):358.

          “Investigations performed by Zouhir et al.
          demonstrated lemongrass essential oil can
          eradicate the methicillin-resistant
          Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro
          (Zouhir et al., 2016).”
           -From Gao S, Liu G, Li J, Chen J, Li L, Li Z,
           Zhang X, Zhang S, Thorne RF, Zhang S.
           Antimicrobial Activity of Lemongrass
           Essential Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
           and Its Active Component Citral Against
           Dual-Species Biofilms of Staphylococcus
           aureus and Candida Species.
           Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020 Dec,
           22;10:603858.

          “Results: Of the 118 peptides, 88 exhibited an
           activity against MRSA[Methicillin Resistant
           Staphylococcus Aureus] with the highest
           activity of minimum inhibitor concentration
           values. Various plant EOs have been
           effective against MRSA. Remarkably,
           lemongrass EOs completely inhibited all
           MRSA growth on the plate. Lemon myrtle,
           Mountain savory, Cinnamon bark and Melissa
           EOs showed a significant inhibition.”
           -From Zouhir A, Jridi T, Nefzi A,
           Ben Hamida J, Sebei K.
           Inhibition of methicillin-resistant
           Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by
           antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and plant
           essential oils.
           Pharm Biol. 2016 Dec;54(12):3136-3150.

By harnessing the natural potency of these natural essential oils together as cleaning agents, green cleaning offers a superior solution to bacteria and mould infestations. Just as expert cleaners restore order to spaces, these essential oils restore balance, fostering cleaner, healthier environments for all to enjoy.

Why choose Eco-Cleaning Chemicals in your Domestic Cleaning Service over Regular Household Chemicals?

Studies show that a combination of essential oils used as natural cleaning agents prove to be more effective than some chemical cleaners, such as
Air Fresheners, liquid soaps and body sprays at destroying common household bacteria and germs, including staphylococcus aureus.

Our Eco-cleaning service is optional and comes as an alternative set of chemicals that are used instead of the regular set of household cleaning chemicals used in our regular domestic cleaning service bookings which we also provide.