Eco-Friendly Cleaning in Toronto: What It Means + Where to Find a Green Cleaning Service

If you’ve ever searched “eco-friendly cleaning” and wondered whether it actually means anything (or whether it’s just marketing), you’re not alone. In Toronto, more cleaning companies are offering “green” options, but the quality can vary a lot depending on what products they use, where they use them, and whether they understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting

This guide breaks it all down in plain language: what traditional cleaners often contain, what eco-friendly cleaning really is, the honest pros/cons, and, most importantly, where to find eco-friendly cleaning services in Toronto (including how to choose the right option for kids, pets, and high-traffic areas).

What “eco-friendly cleaning” actually means

Eco-friendly cleaning usually means:

• Gentler products (often plant-based or lower-toxicity formulas)

• Less bleach and fewer harsh fumes

• A focus on safer indoor air and lower residue on surfaces

• Smart methods like microfiber cloths and targeted cleaning (instead of “strong chemicals everywhere”)
  

Important: “eco-friendly” doesn’t automatically mean “disinfected.” Cleaning and disinfecting are different goals.

What’s used in “regular” cleaning that can feel harsh

Not every traditional product is “bad,” but some are too strong for everyday use in many homes.

Common examples:

• Bleach-based products (can be irritating and needs careful use)

• Strong fragrances (“clean smell” that lingers, can trigger headaches or allergies)

• Heavy-duty disinfectants used all over the house

If you’ve got a toddler crawling around or a dog licking paws after walking on the floor, it makes sense to be picky about what gets used, especially on floors and high-touch areas.

Cleaning vs disinfecting (quick and clear)

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

• Cleaning = removes dirt, grime, and a lot of germs by wiping and washing

• Disinfecting = uses products meant to kill germs (and often needs proper “sit time” to work)

Most homes don’t need heavy disinfectants everywhere, every time. Often, a good clean is enough, then you disinfect only when it matters (like after illness or in certain bathroom situations).

The pros of eco-friendly cleaning

Eco-friendly cleaning is a great fit if you want:

• A clean home without harsh chemical smells

• Safer choices for kids and pets

• Less residue on floors, counters, and frequently touched surfaces

• A calmer option for people with sensitivities (fragrance, asthma, allergies)

The honest cons (so expectations are real)

Eco-friendly cleaning can be less “instant” in some cases:

• Heavy grime can take longer (grease, built-up soap scum, thick bathroom buildup)

• If you want true disinfection, you may need a targeted disinfectant in specific spots

• Some “green” claims are vague—so it helps when a company is clear about what they use and where

Best approach for many homes: eco-friendly for most areas + stronger products only where needed.

Where to find eco-friendly cleaning services in Toronto

When you search in Toronto, you’ll usually find two types of companies:

1) Green-first cleaning services

These companies market eco-friendly cleaning as their main thing. Good if you want green products as the default.

2) Cleaning services with an eco-friendly option

This can be the best choice if the company lets you choose how the eco-friendly products are used (everywhere vs specific areas).

What to ask before you book (simple checklist)

Before you hire anyone, ask:

• What products do you use for the eco-friendly option?

• Can I request eco-friendly products in specific areas (floors/counters) or the whole home?

• How do you handle disinfecting if I request it?

• Can you do low-fragrance or fragrance-free cleaning?

• Do you bring your own supplies and tools (microfiber, etc.)?

If they can’t answer clearly, move on.

Eco-friendly cleaning with itsGLO Cleaning (how it works)

If you’re looking for eco-friendly cleaning services in Toronto, itsGLO Cleaning makes it easy because you can choose:

• Eco-friendly products throughout the entire home, or

• Eco-friendly products only on high-traffic/high-contact areas, like:

  • floors (great for kids + pets)

  • countertops

  • frequently touched surfaces

That flexibility is perfect if you want the benefits of eco-friendly cleaning where it matters most—but still want stronger options available when a space is extra grimy.