Eco-friendly cleaning has helped five local women realize their
dreams of being business owners in America
Tired of leaving work with headaches and rashes from the chemicals they used to clean other people’s homes, five South Valley women got together and formed their own cleaning company, one that uses ecologically friendly products and offers flexible hours.
Lupita Serrato founded Eco-Care Professional House Cleaning with Hermila Rodriguez, Bertha Naranjo, Christina Montanez and Veronica Muñoz, after the group met in their English and computer class at Learning and Loving Education Center in Morgan Hill.
The five founders launched the business in 2001, after receiving training in how to manage a business from an Oakland-based nonprofit organization.
“We thought if this kind of cleaning could protect us and protect the environment, we’d go with it,” Serrato said.
The women had all been interested in starting their own businesses, and considered a daycare or restaurant, before settling on a cleaning company because most of them had experience as housecleaners.
They were referred to WAGES, or Women’s Action to Gain Economic Security, which works to help low-income, immigrant women. The company had hit on a business model that was fairly successful – eco-friendly cleaning.
“It’s in an organic market niche, so it’s a very desirable business from the client’s perspective,” said WAGES Program Director Deb Goldberg. It’s also desirable from the employees’ perspective, Goldberg said, because it’s better for their health.
“A lot of ladies, when they work with us, they say they never have any health problems,” Serrato said.
The list of products the women use includes Murphy Oil for hardwood floors; Bon Ami instead of Ajax; two or three products by Seventh Generation and Ecover, both environmentally conscious companies; vinegar on glass and windows; borax; and baking soda.
“We use a lot of tools too – different kinds of sponges and scrubbers, screwdrivers, spatulas and pumice stone,” Serrato said, adding: “and a lot of effort.”
Since its formation in 2001, the company has grown to 12 staff members, and, because it’s a cooperative, all the employees are also owners. The company also makes a commitment to flexible hours and making sure employees are fairly compensated.
“Because we are a cooperative, if we can double the minimum wage, we can help each other reach a dream, such as buying a new house or a new car,” Serrato said.
Eco-Care client Mary Delaney didn’t have a cleaning service before moving to San Jose and joining the St. Francis of Assisi parish. But for her, having a company concerned with a clean environment and good working conditions is as important as having a clean house.
“I’m very interested in keeping the environment safe and also know that there are chemicals that can be dangerous if they’re not used correctly,” said Delaney, who has used Eco-Care for almost three years. “And they’ve got a living wage, and that’s the best part right there.”
The flexible hours help employees take care of their families, too, something that is a benefit of working for the coop, Serrato said.
“I feel like the experience makes me more confident in myself,” Serrato said. “I think not just myself, but all of us feel proud because we can help our families.”
Eco-Care charges $24 an hour to clean a house or commercial building and has 80 to 90 clients throughout the South Valley and into San Jose. The company also does one-time cleanings such as before someone moves in or when someone moves out of a house.
To reach Eco-Care, call (408) 778-8445.
