Businesses and residents looking to get their home or office clean and still ‘go green’ have a new way of doing so, thanks to a local business.BAS-Serco has become the first business in Bermuda to offer a chemical-free, dry vapour cleaning system from Advanced Vapor Technologies (AVT). Known as the Ladybug (because it’s a short, round contraption) the low-moisture steam cleaner uses only water and electricity and can clean most surfaces — from grout and glass to fabrics and furniture — without harsh chemicals or hard scrubbing.Oliverio Rego, operations manager of BAS-Serco’s cleaning division says the Ladybug is a versatile tool for a healthier indoor environment — removing deeply embedded or sticky soils and eliminating mould at the source — all in less time and with fewer chemical than traditional methods.“My clients are all ecstatic about it,” he said. “So I’m trying to get the awareness out there — that this is something that anyone can adopt really.”Mr Rego says he started searching for greener cleaning methods months ago because a commercial client of his wanted their workplace to be environmentally friendly in every way.“They really wanted to be green and I really wanted to deliver that for them. So I was reading every label and I did a lot of research. But some things that have a green seal still have chemicals.”So he went to the States in search of even greener options and found this vapour cleaner. Now he’s selling the Ladybug and offering cleaning services for residential and commercial clients looking to cut back on the chemicals but still kill the mould and mildew that come with life in Bermuda.Using just tap water, an internal boiler heats the water to 150-300 degrees Fahrenheit. Mr Rego says it’s the extremely hot steam kills dust mites, mould, viruses and fungi on contact — evaporating before mould can begin to take hold.He hopes the technology will change the way people think about what it means to get things clean.“A lot of people have that mentality that if is doesn’t smell like Clorox, it’s not clean. That’s all psychological,” Mr Rego said. “I just want people to know that this is possible — chemical free is a reality, it’s feasible, and it really says what it does. You can get things really clean, chemical-free.”He says the dry vapour steam cleaning system cleans beyond that you can see and touch — eliminating both germs and the residue traditional cleaning supplies leave behind. He says while it’s great for businesses looking to reduce the potential harm their employees may be exposed to, it’s also ideal for pet owners or people with young children who may be crawling on the floor, touching dangerous chemicals and then putting them in their mouths.“Think about the chemicals you put on your tiles — we don’t know what these chemicals can do, so you know, just minimise the risk. People say smoking’s bad you shouldn’t do it, I say chemicals are bad, you shouldn’t use them.”The manufacturers of the Ladybug dry vapour steamer say it can be used to kill mould in bathrooms, basements and window encasements, and to clean tile, marble or carpets, walls, mirrors and windows, and even on bedding, upholstery and clothing. It’s even safe to use on both wood and faux wood window blinds.Mr Rego said this way of disinfecting is good for homes, good for business and good for the environment and he hopes it catches on with people and businesses who are trying to be green.“It’s efficient, effective and eco-friendly. Those are the three E’s I try to preach.”Purchasing a Ladybug of your own will set you back $1,990, but Mr Rego points out that they sell in the US for about $1,800. The company’s larger, commercial unit can be leased out for $150 a month. It stays on-site and includes training and monthly maintenance.Alternatively, residential customers can have BAS-Serco come to their home for a deep steam clean for $65 an hour.You can also see the Ladybug in action on the company’s Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/ChemicalFreeCleanBermuda?fref=ts