Cardinal Clean

It’s not just clean — it’s Cardinal Clean.

What began in 2015, as a bold pilot in seven residence halls has grown into a fully implemented, campus-wide sustainability initiative. Launched by Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) to replace traditional chemical cleaners with ozone-infused water, Cardinal Clean is now available across 128 student residences, including both undergraduate and graduate housing.

Stanford was the first university in the U.S. to provide students with free access to this green cleaning solution, placing safer, chemical-free tools directly in residential communities. A decade after its launch, Cardinal Clean has come full circle, evolving from a custodial innovation into a sustainability success story that benefits every student living on campus.

Recognized for its environmental impact, Cardinal Clean received the 2023 Outstanding Waste Prevention Award from the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA). By eliminating chemical-based cleaners, the program reduces single-use plastic waste, hazardous disposal, and chemical runoff, supporting a healthier campus and planet.

We would love to hear what you think about Cardinal Clean!
Let us know how Cardinal Clean is working for you, your feedback helps shape a cleaner, greener campus for everyone!

What Is Cardinal Clean?

Cardinal Clean is an eco-conscious disinfecting system that converts regular tap water and oxygen into an effective cleaning solution through an electrical charge of 4,500 volts. This process produces ozonated water (O₃), a naturally occurring substance widely used in water treatment for its disinfecting properties.

While it appears to be plain water, it delivers powerful performance. Cardinal Clean:

Destroys 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and germs (including E. coli, Salmonella, MRSA, COVID, influenza, norovirus, and C. difficile)
Acts up to 3,000 times faster than bleach-based products
Leaves no toxic residue, carcinogens, or chemical buildup
Remains effective for up to 24 hours after application

Within seven days, the ozone naturally converts back into standard water (H₂O), ensuring no harmful byproducts remain.

Why Choose Cardinal Clean?

Cardinal Clean provides a safer, more environmentally responsible alternative to conventional disinfectants that may release VOCs and harsh chemical fumes into indoor environments. It promotes healthier residential spaces, strengthens campus sustainability initiatives, and makes everyday cleaning simpler and more accessible for students across all housing communities.

Non-toxic, non-irritating, and safe for skin and lungs
Reduces plastic waste and eliminates hazardous chemical disposal
Designed for ease and convenience
Free for all residents
Easy to dispense and refill

Because it naturally converts back into water within seven days and leaves no chemical residue behind, Cardinal Clean enables students to keep their living spaces clean without added expense or environmental harm.

Using Cardinal Clean!

Cardinal Clean machines are available in convenient locations across student housing communities, including:

All graduate housing laundry rooms
Select undergraduate housing laundry rooms
Housing Service Centers

The solution can be used throughout your living space, from bathrooms and kitchens to mirrors, windows, counters, and sinks. It is also effective on high-touch surfaces such as phones, light switches, and door handles, as well as appliances, furniture, and floors or carpets for spot cleaning.

Wherever you live on campus, Cardinal Clean provides a practical and sustainable way to maintain a clean environment.

If a machine is not working, please submit a Fix-It ticket to request maintenance.

How to Use Cardinal Clean

Clean Like a Pro with Cardinal Clean!

Using Cardinal Clean is quick and easy! Start by placing your spray bottle in the sink, then turn on the cold water tap. Flip the switch to activate the machine and wait for the light to turn green, this means your powerful cleaning solution is ready