The spray bottle is the handy and reasonably efficient way to apply cleaners to nearly every surface.  It is unlikely that the spray bottle will every go away though it is a contributor to pollution of the air quality.  The obvious problem is that spray bottles produce a mist that creates highly mobile droplets of whatever is sprayed.  These droplets can have an immediate affect on those who are using the cleaner, but they have a life beyond the immediate application. 

Spray droplets can be carried throughout the building because of the air handling system in the building.  We all know the affect of catching a faint or strong scent because of something going on elsewhere, like painting or floor treatment.  Spray bottles are, however, effective ways to deliver nearly any liquid to a surface.  There is little doubt that they will every go away, so there are some tips that may help all those using these items in their cleaning regimes.

What are your Spraying: Simple glass cleaner would seem to be innocent enough, but if they use ammonia-based Ammonium hydroxide, 2-Butoxlethanol, and other ingredients that are highly diluted, but still toxic agents to health.  If you are going to move to a Green prodfuct, start with Ammonia free window cleaners.  If you use anything with wanring labels about immediate impact for the product, handle these products can be handled using gloves.  The mist is something inhaled by the person applying the cleanser and by those in the building. 

Use Stream instead of Spray: The solution is this dilemma is to be careful to not overspray.  There is also the practice of adjusting the spray nozzle to a stream.  Atomizing a liquid allows it to be suspended in the air for a longer time.  If you go to a stream, the cleanser is more narrowly delivered and does not mist into the surround air as well. 

Fumes are another matter.  Fumes are aromatic and can be masked by lemon or orange smells.  Do not forget that cleansers may have something called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are the subject of a great deal of environmental concern.  In either case, do not go crazy with spray bottles.  Convenience does not equal safety.  We know that the spray bottle will never go away, but there are "Better Practices" that can be employed for these cleaning appliances.

Though we will likely never get get of spray bottles, change what is in the bottle and adjust the spray to stream.  The Green Janitor recommends that the janitorial services adopt certain standards of practice such as use of the Spray bottle.  Green Practices initiative also adopts the better use of spray bottles.  Green Clean Institute offers training to janitorial and cleaning services for Green Clean Certification