Using toxic-free cleaning products is not just a trend – it’s becoming a priority for residents, property managers and owners. National apartment operator Cortland, based in Atlanta, has addressed this problem by implementing a new type of cleaning solvent for use at their properties that it learned of while touring newly opened Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

Based on engineered water technologies, these cleaners contain only H2O and proprietary minerals. Independent testing, run in accordance with AOAC International protocol and good laboratory practice (GLP) procedures, demonstrates that these solutions kill 99.999 percent of common germs in less than 60 seconds. The product was created by GenEon.

“The stadium become North America’s first LEED Platinum professional sports stadium in 2017, and our team was visiting to learn more about how they accomplished this goal. We were impressed by the simplicity of the cleaning solutions,” Cortland Executive Vice President of Operations and Facilities Jonathan Tucker says. “We were also struck by the way the maintenance staff we spoke to clearly enjoyed using the product.

Cortland then decided to make the switch from the conventional cleaning products it had been using in 125 communities as part of a pilot program.

Tucker says it is reasonably priced. After an initial startup cost, making 50 gallons of all-purpose cleaner using GenEon’s system costs less than $15 or 30 cents per gallon.

GenEon’s toxic-free cleaning products, which range from degreasers to sanitizers and all-purpose cleaners, are used in common areas and when making apartment homes ready for move-in.

Cortland communities included in the initial rollout for the product will eliminate the use of traditional glass cleaners, bathroom cleaners, multi-purpose cleaners, oven cleaners, solvents and more. Third-party vendors who perform duties like carpet cleaning are now also required to use the solution.

Cortland Chief Experience Officer Mike Gomes says Cortland will promote the product to its residents once the rollout is complete in mid-September.

“We know that green living is important to our residents and it’s the right thing to do,” Gomes says. “Cutting chemicals from everyday cleaning products is a win for the environment as well as our residents and our service team members.”