LONGMONT - Rocky Mountain Cleaning Co. in Longmont has stopped using harsh chemicals and single-use products in favor of greener cleaning practices.

Employees also take the time to educate clients on ways to be more environmentally friendly, while ensuring that the new methods will result in a clean, if not noticeably cleaner, business, building or home.

The Hispanic, family-owned business was started in 2002 by David and Lizbeth Frias. Their son, Ivan, an economics student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, suggested that they begin incorporating green-cleaning practices into their business.

"I was focused on redefining the company, what we were doing and how we could be more effective," said Ivan, sales manager for the company. "We wanted to make a profit and be able to help protect the environment."

David said he and his family do not think of going green as a formality of doing business. Rather, it is a necessity to ensure generations to come will have a healthy planet. After doing research by talking to cleaning distributors and learning best practices for green cleaning, Rocky Mountain Cleaning switched to cleaning products certified by Green Seal, an independent, nonprofit organization that identifies and promotes green products and services.

"We have seen a large shift of all types of businesses in the Hispanic community realizing the importance of being green," David Frias said. "We have a lot of connections in the service industry and construction industry where we can explain and educate people on how to help the environment. Learning about green products and services is our quest, along with educating our clients."

The company has switched from ready-to-use cleaning products, which are thrown away and possibly end up in landfills, to using concentrates that can be diluted and poured into reusable containers. Prior to the change more than 12 bottles of cleaning products were used per month. Now the company uses just four bottles a month.

Rocky Mountain Cleaning specializes in construction, commercial and residential cleaning. Clients have included DR Horton Inc., Ryland Homes, Meritage Homes Corp. and Pulte Homes Inc. The company has eight employees who work with 45 residential clients and two commercial businesses.

Rita Lugo worked with Rocky Mountain Cleaning when she was with DR Horton in sales. She said David and Lizbeth were always prompt and professional, and she was pleased with their work.

"They had a contract to keep the model homes clean and in show condition," Lugo said. "They were on top of all of the cleaning of the homes, and they would always do a fantastic job. Their work ethic was above and beyond, so I never worried about the appearance of the model homes because I knew they would always be perfect."

David said a lot of unnecessary waste was created when he first started the company.

"We used to use a lot of paper," he said. "Now we use cotton rags over and over, and that will save a lot of trees. We encourage recycling and reusing."

Other green practices include buying in bulk so less waste packaging is needed and using common items such as vinegar and water to clean hard wood floors.

"Many people are surprised at how well mixing water and vinegar will work as a cleaner," David said. "Certain customers say if it does not smell fresh, they do not think it is clean, and that is a misconception. It is an educational process, and we give out informational cards to clients explaining why the product will yield the same results."

The shift to green-cleaning practices has been a gradual shift the past three years. In 2002, the company used green products but did not consider them as effective as they are today.

Pre- and post-construction business cleaning is experiencing a lull due to the economic conditions, which has forced Rocky Mountain Cleaning to focus more on residential and commercial business cleaning.

Residential cleaning has seen steady growth. Rocky Mountain Cleaning Co. has put its advertising dollars into online marketing rather than print advertising. It has experienced a 17 percent growth since 2007, predominantly from an increase in residential cleaning. The company's prices vary depending the needs and frequency of cleanings for individuals and businesses.

Adriana McMurray, a Boulder resident who uses Rocky Mountain Cleaning services for her home, said she sees the difference eco-friendly services create.

"I really care about the products being used in my house," she said. "I did not know how toxic some products can be. I like Rocky Mountain Cleaning Co. because they show me the products and explain to me what they are using and its benefits."

McMurray said she shopped around, and Rocky Mountain Cleaning Co. is in the same price range as other cleaning services.