We recently caught up with Vicky Doyle, Founder of Eco Cleaning Company, Lemon Clean. Based in Hessle, East Yorkshire, Lemon Clean services various properties, including offices, car showrooms, caravans, show homes, and more across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Here at Bio-D, we are fortunate to have the lovely Sue from Lemon Clean, who comes to our manufacturing site to clean the offices, kitchen, and bathrooms using Bio-D products, of course!
So, what is Lemon Clean’s unique selling point? The entire Lemon Clean team exclusively uses Bio-D products at all their clients’ commercial properties, helping them gain gleaming results without costing the earth!
Vicky Doyle is dedicated to adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and always seeks ways to educate herself and her team. From promoting sustainable product swaps to introducing Meat-Free Mondays via her community WhatsApp group, Vicky is a true advocate for sustainability. She recently attended Carbon Management and Carbon Literacy Training at the University of Hull Business School.
Why did you choose to exclusively clean using Bio-D products when launching Lemon Clean?
In the summer of 2009, I attended the Hull Food Festival where I bought Bio-D products to try. After being impressed with the results, I thought this could be my unique selling point for launching my cleaning business. I’ve always been aware of the harsh chemicals in some cleaning products and wanted to advocate for sustainable cleaning. Fourteen years later, I am still using Bio-D and am a proud ambassador for the brand. From a local delivery standpoint, it makes great business sense to work with Bio-D as local delivery emits fewer CO2 emissions since it’s manufactured just a few miles down the road. As both Lemon Clean and Bio-D have grown over the years, I’ve been lucky to visit three of the manufacturing sites, which is great to see as a business owner. It’s inspiring to understand the work that goes into making the sustainable cleaning products we use every day.
Have you noticed a shift in client’s perceptions of opting for an eco-cleaning brand compared to a non-eco brand?
When I first launched Lemon Clean, there weren’t many eco-friendly cleaning products on the market. Many clients are both fragrance and cost-driven, but by opting for refill products, especially the 20L containers, we can use less plastic and ultimately save on costs. I have been educating clients on the harsh chemicals and surfactants in the leading non-eco brands they may use in their homes. Once our clients see the impressive results from the team using Bio-D, they’re happy to make the sustainable swap.
I’ve also noticed a recent shift in the market as many business owners are now seeking eco-cleaning products. It’s a small but impactful change, and if everyone makes a small change, it can make a huge difference to our planet.
How do you find using Bio-D products in manufacturing and commercial environments?
As we work with a range of clients who have different cleaning requirements, we are confident that Bio-D’s product range will suit every client. From stocking up multiple office blocks’ cleaning cupboards with Dishwasher Tablets to ensuring Cleansing Handwashes are topped up in kitchens and toilets, our team champions sustainable choices for sectors looking to improve their sustainability goals.
The Lemon Clean team works in various settings, such as commercial and private kitchens, so it’s important to use cleaning products that conform to standards like BS EN 1276 for E.coli, salmonella enterica, and staphylococcus aureus. Knowing that both the All Purpose Sanitiser and Cleansing Handwashes comply helps us reassure clients about their cleaning needs.
During the pandemic, we were confident that products like All Purpose Sanitiser were effective against the Coronavirus in accordance with EN14476. For Bio-D to have these products tested during this time was very helpful for myself and the team. Using effective and sustainable cleaning products during this period was paramount.
The newly formulated Floor Cleaner works wonders in car showrooms, as it helps the tiles shine, which is what the sales representatives need when presenting their latest stock to customers.
How important are the Bio-D credentials to your business?
Knowing that Bio-D works hard to gain its credentials is important to me as a business owner. I promote these to both existing and new clients. Vegan, Cruelty-Free, and Made in the UK are equally important values. The recent King’s Award accolade affirms Bio-D’s commitment to sustainability. It’s also very inspiring to work with a certified B Corp business, as this is an accolade we aspire to at Lemon Clean.
Which is your favourite Bio-D product?
The Lemon Clean team loves using the Home & Garden Cleaner. The Eucalyptus fragrance is subtle yet effective when cleaning. We use it on various surfaces, including skirting boards and down sink drains, to help with any unpleasant odors. Instead of pouring the product onto the surface, we use a spray, which we find just as effective.
Lastly, we love a cleaning hack here at Bio-D, please tell us a cleaning hack you wish you’d have known sooner!
We also love a good hack, and Bio-D has lots to choose from. Our favorite and most used is washing dirty mugs with Laundry Bleach. Just add a small teaspoon of Laundry Bleach into the mug, pour boiling hot kettle water, and leave for 30 minutes to work its magic. Then, rinse thoroughly with cold water. A quick, easy, and sparkling result—what’s not to like!
Lemon Clean is currently in the process of their B Corp journey, and the entire Bio-D team wishes them every success in the application process.
For more information on Lemon Clean and their eco-friendly cleaning services, visit Lemon Clean’s Website.
