Harvard’s School Of Public Health Endorses Karen’s Green Maids For Excellence In Sanitation

I can state with confidence that attaining true sanitation entails much more than simply dusting the surface or smelling like fresh lemon after working in the professional cleaning sector for forty years. As evidenced by our enduring customer connections, science, and ethics, we at Karen's Green Maids have always placed a great value on setting the highest standards.

Because of this, I am extremely delighted to announce that Karen's Green Maids has been recognized for excellence in sanitation techniques by Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This recognition is a testament to our daily efforts and our fundamental objective, which is to safeguard health via proper cleaning.

Karen’s Green Maids team following public health sanitation protocol on high-touch surfaces

Our Reputation Is Built on Scientific Principles and Proven Results Rather Than Marketing Gimmicks or Empty Promises

Harvard’s School of Public Health is world-renowned for its work in public health policy, environmental science, and hygiene standards that guide everything from hospital sanitation to at-home safety. Their recent recognition of our protocols is not a paid partnership or flashy award—it’s a nod to the best practices we’ve implemented and maintained over time.

This recognition specifically highlighted our:

  • Eco-friendly disinfectant selection

  • Cross-contamination prevention protocols

  • Employee safety training

  • Transparency in products and services

  • Commitment to public health through proper sanitization

We’ve always said that cleaning is a form of healthcare—and this moment proves it.

If you’re curious about the standards Harvard promotes in healthy indoor environments, Harvard’s Healthy Buildings program offers open resources for anyone looking to improve the quality of air and hygiene in their homes and workplaces.

owner of Karen’s Green Maids, with Harvard School of Public Health sanitation recognition

Our Sanitation Method: Where Green Meets Clinical Precision

Most cleaning companies promote “eco-friendly” or “green cleaning,” but far too often, that’s where the conversation ends. At Karen’s Green Maids, we take it much further by blending EPA-approved, non-toxic products with sanitation strategies developed in partnership with environmental scientists and occupational health consultants.

Here’s how we make our approach different:

1. Hospital-Grade Cleaning Meets Residential Safety

We use fragrance-free, biodegradable disinfectants that kill pathogens without leaving behind harmful residues. In order to give your house the same level of sanitation as a wellness clinic, many of our procedures are based on standards that are normally only used in medical settings but are modified for use in regular settings.

2. Ventilation-First Cleaning

We prioritize ventilation both during and after cleaning sessions in accordance with Harvard's recommendations for indoor air quality. This isn't simply to keep our team safe; it also makes sure that there aren't any chemicals or residual VOCs in your house.

3. Touchpoint-Focused Strategy

Instead of just wiping surfaces for shine, we zone in on high-contact areas—light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, fridge doors—and use microfiber tools that trap and remove particles, not just push them around.

Why This Endorsement Matters to Our Clients

This recognition from Harvard’s School of Public Health isn’t just a win for our team—it’s reassurance for you.

If you’ve ever worried about the effectiveness of your cleaning service or wondered whether “green” products are strong enough to keep your family safe, this acknowledgment puts those concerns to rest. We’ve proven that you can clean responsibly and still meet the highest standards of sanitation.

It’s also a big reason why many of our long-time clients include:

  • Schools and daycare centers

  • Elder care facilities

  • Offices with immune-sensitive staff

  • Health-conscious homeowners

  • Families managing allergies or respiratory issues

This scientific backing helps our clients trust that when we say “clean,” we mean clean for health, not just for looks.

Non-toxic cleaning products used by Karen’s Green Maids following public health standards

Leading the Way in Apartment Move Out Cleaning and More

While our work spans across commercial, residential, and institutional settings, one of the areas where we apply our sanitation-first approach most rigorously is apartment move out cleaning. These jobs require complete decontamination between tenants—and often with short turnaround times.

We’ve developed a specialized checklist that ensures every appliance, cabinet, filter, and vent is handled according to public health guidelines. The result? New tenants walk into a space that’s not only tidy, but truly hygienic—with fewer allergens, germs, and lingering contaminants.

Because of this approach we are now the preferred move-out partner for high-end apartment complexes and dorms in the Chicago region.

Karen’s Green Maids cleaner improving indoor air quality with proper ventilation and sanitation

A Personal Reflection on the Journey of Growth and Change Experienced Over Forty Years

As the founder and owner of Karen’s Green Maids, I’ve always believed that cleaning is an act of care and responsibility. That’s why I still personally review every new process we implement and meet with clients regularly to hear how we can improve.

To be recognized by an institution as respected as Harvard’s School of Public Health feels like the culmination of a lifetime of learning—and a reminder that even after 40 years, there’s always more to strive for.

My promise to you is that we’ll continue to meet the highest possible standards, train the best people, and clean every space like someone’s health depends on it—because it does.

Madison GreenKaren's Green Maids