Cardinal Clean
Since 2015, Stanford’s Student Housing custodial teams have relied on the award-winning Cardinal Clean system to safely clean and disinfect residence halls. What began as a custodial innovation has grown into a campus-wide sustainability success story, with the system now in use in 120 residence halls. This powerful, eco-friendly cleaning technology has been introduced directly to students through machines installed in undergraduate laundry rooms. Even more exciting: Stanford is the first university in the U.S. to offer students free access to this green cleaning solution, putting safer, smarter cleaning tools directly in students’ hands.
Cardinal Clean harnesses the power of electrified water and oxygen to eliminate odors, stains, viruses, and bacteria; including E. coli, Salmonella, MRSA, and C. difficile, without the harsh chemicals. It works 3,000 times faster than bleach and chlorine-based products, but leaves behind zero toxins, carcinogens, or chemical residue.
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Cardinal Clean: Powerful for You, Gentle on the Planet
Cardinal Clean is Stanford’s free, sustainable, and highly effective cleaning solution—designed with your health and the environment in mind. This innovative system electrifies tap water and oxygen to create a powerful, non-toxic disinfectant that’s safe, easy to use, and completely free for students.
- Kills 99.99% of germs, viruses, and bacteria—and keeps working for up to 24 hours
- Naturally reverts to water after seven days, leaving no chemical residue
- Reduces plastic waste, chemical runoff, and hazardous disposal—helping protect our environment
- Safe for your skin and lungs—non-toxic, non-irritant, and chemical-free
- Saves you money while supporting a greener campus
With Cardinal Clean, you're not just keeping your space fresh—you're contributing to a healthier planet and a cleaner future for all.
Where Can You Use Cardinal Clean? Just About Everywhere!
Cardinal Clean isn’t just powerful—it’s incredibly versatile. This eco-friendly disinfectant is safe for you, tough on germs, and gentle on the planet. Use it all around your space to keep things fresh, clean, and healthy—without harsh chemicals or waste.
- Appliances – Keep them looking and smelling fresh
- Glass & Mirrors – Streak-free shine without chemical fumes
- Showers & Toilets – Disinfect without harsh cleaners
- Countertops & Sinks – Safe for surfaces where food is prepared
- Floors & Carpets – Spot clean without leaving residue
- Furniture – Gently remove dirt and germs
- High-touch areas – Sanitize phones, light switches, door handles, and more
From your dorm room to common spaces, Cardinal Clean gives you a safe, sustainable way to stay healthy—while reducing your impact on the environment.
Image: Students in EVGR
The Science Behind Cardinal Clean: Safe for You, Smart for the Planet
What makes Cardinal Clean so powerful? It’s all in the science—natural, effective, and chemical-free. Cardinal Clean uses ozone, a powerful disinfectant found in nature and commonly used to purify drinking water. It’s even stronger than bleach, but far safer for both people and the environment.
Here’s how it works: the machine takes in regular tap water and oxygen, then applies 4,500 volts of electricity. This energy transforms oxygen gas (O₂) into ozone (O₃), a three-atom molecule with serious disinfecting power. Unlike bleach, which uses harsh chemicals and traditional oxidation, ozone works through radical oxidation—quickly neutralizing germs, bacteria, and viruses without leaving toxic residue behind.
It’s science working for you. Cardinal Clean helps students maintain a healthy living space without the health risks of conventional cleaners, and it reduces chemical waste, water pollution, and plastic bottle use. Clean smarter, breathe easier, and help protect the planet, all with one simple solution.
Image: EVGR - Tersano Green Cleaning Station