This January 2025, Safi Cleaners will mark its seventh anniversary as Tucson’s “Truly Nontoxic Cleaners.” Founded as a refugee-powered social enterprise, Safi Cleaners provides safe, meaningful employment opportunities while ensuring that both clients and staff are protected from harmful cleaning agents by using completely non-toxic methods.

“There’s no real regulation around the term ‘green,’ so many companies label themselves as such just for using slightly less toxic products—or even just for having green-colored packaging,” says co-owner Minami Espinosa. “At Safi, we use cleaning agents that are safe enough to eat or apply to your skin, and they’re also greywater safe. For instance, we use products like Oasis detergent, vinegar and tea tree oil.

In 2023, Safi Cleaners transitioned into a network of employee-owned cooperatives, adding a fair-trade component to its truly non-toxic mission. The company has also expanded to include new affiliates that offer non-toxic interior painting and yard work services

According to Espinosa, the name “Safi” is Swahili for “neat” or “clean.” Safi’s team includes members from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Tucson. One long-time employee, Hawa Adam from Sudan, has worked with Safi for six years. “We work hard, often in tough conditions, but I’ve been working since I was seven, and I love what I do,” says Adam.