Probiotics vs Traditional Cleaning Product Comparison

Not all cleaning products work the same—and the difference matters for the health of your workplace. Traditional chemical cleaners deliver short-term results but can leave behind harsh residues and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Probiotic cleaners take a smarter, safer approach. Powered by naturally occurring beneficial bacteria, they continue working long after application, creating a cleaner, healthier, and more balanced environment.

Below is a simple comparison to help you see why more New Zealand businesses are choosing probiotics for long-term cleanliness, sustainability, and wellbeing.

Key Factors
Probiotic Cleaners
Traditional Cleaners

Effective

Safe for humans, animals and plants

Safe on all surfaces

No harmful washdown to the environment

Long lasting results

Continues working overtime

Odour control**

** Works differently in each type of product

Reduces antimicrobial resistance & promotes microbial balance

Breaks down biofilms

Reduces allergens

Suitable for chemically sensitive people

Low VOCs

Low carbon footprint***

**The production of probiotics relies on fermentation with low energy use and carbon foot print. The raw materials for probiotics include natural substrates and nitrogen sources, which are often derived from agricultural products and renewable. Waste from probiotic production is biodegradable

Quick comparison

Which type of cleaning product is better?

Traditional chemical cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to health and the environment.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners use naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that are non-toxic and safe for both people and the environment.

Traditional chemical cleaners can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and trigger allergies due to exposure to chemicals and toxic fumes.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners are hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals, making them safer for sensitive individuals, including children and pets.

While traditional cleaners provide immediate surface cleaning, their effects stop once the surface dries, with multiple applications often required.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners will continue working long after application by introducing beneficial bacteria that break down dirt and grime, providing long-lasting cleanliness.

Traditional chemical cleaners contribute to water and air pollution through chemical runoff and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals have non-biodegradable residues can harm ecosystems.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners are biodegradable have a minimal impact on ecosystems and do not contribute to pollution

Traditional chemical cleaners often use synthetic fragrances to mask odours temporarily, but they don’t eliminate the source of the odours.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners actively break down organic matter, eliminating the source of bad odours naturally and providing long-term odour control.

Overuse of chemical disinfectants and cleaners can contribute to the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, more commonly known as superbugs.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners work hard and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance or superbugs by outcompeting harmful bacteria rather than killing them, helping maintain a balanced microbial environment.

Harsh traditional chemicals can degrade surfaces over time, leading to faster wear and tear leading to increased maintenance and more frequent replacement of floors, countertops and fixtures.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners are gentle on all surfaces and help preserve materials, working to extend the lifespan of floors, countertops, and fixtures and the need for constant maintenance or replacement.

Traditional chemical cleaners rely on non-renewable resources and contribute to environmental degradation throughout their whole lifecycle from manufacturing right through to disposal into the environment.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners continue to promote sustainability by using natural, renewable ingredients that are biodegradable and reduce New Zealand’s overall chemical footprint.

While traditional chemical cleaners may seem less expensive upfront, they require frequent reapplication and can lead to higher long-term costs associated with frequent reapplication, health risks from the chemicals in the cleaners, surface damage to floors, countertops and fixtures, as well as their impact on the environment.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners offer long-term cost savings by reducing cleaning frequency, less product being required, less surface damage to surfaces, floors, countertops, as well as minimising any impacts on human or environmental health.

Traditional chemical cleaners release volatile organic compounds and other chemicals into the air. This can contribute to poor indoor air quality and potential respiratory issues. Traditional chemical cleaning smells can be over-powering and be a trigger for allergies and feeling unwell.

Eco-benign® probiotic cleaners work to improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne allergens and harmful particles without emitting harmful gases.