The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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Q: I have a blouse made of 95% cotton that I need to launder. However, the manufacturer’s care label says professional dry clean only. Does the dry clean only tag really mean it? Why can’t I hand wash or put it in the washing machine? A: There are many reasons why your garment might have a "professional dry clean only" care label. Washing might harm the buttons or the trim. Or the dyes might run if the garment is washed. In addition…
March 11, 2019
Q. I’m motivated this year to do a massive spring cleaning but with little kids running around my home, I'm concerned about cleaning product safety. How should I be planning to clean safely?  A. We encourage parents to do spring cleaning in the absence of young children so that you can give it your full attention without distractions. Here are some additional safety tips —  Children are usually curious and explore all the new things they find around a household. Take…
March 11, 2019
Q: My son's sneakers always get so dirty in summer. Can I launder them in the washing machine?  A: Most shoe manufacturers discourage machine washing sneakers. Some detergents and the machine's agitation may damage many leathers and adhesives. But, some shoes can be cleaned in your washing machine. Your best bet is to read and follow the care instructions inside the sneaker. If there are no instructions, here are some basic instructions for cleaning most canvas and nylon sneakers by…
May 30, 2020
Practicing good hygiene is an important part of defending ourselves against the coronavirus. By and large, we have been cleaning and disinfecting more than usual during the pandemic, a habit which we will likely continue as we enter a “new normal” following the height of the pandemic. There may be different reasons why you worry about “cleaning too much.” It could be that you’re worried about cost, the amount of product you’re using in your home, or the use of disinfectants. Whatever your…
May 3, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the world has, in just a few months, changed enormously the way we live, work and play. Routines and habits we once took for granted have had to stop, or have at least been heavily impacted. Personal hygiene and disinfection have been essential to combating COVID-19. Companies had to be creative in finding solutions to problems they never previously faced. ACI is proud of how the cleaning products industry has stepped up by increasing production, providing…
September 23, 2020
Cleaning product packaging is essential for the safe transportation and storage of products. Fortunately, detergent bottles and many other cleaning product containers are designed to be remade. We need your help close the loop, reducing and eventually eliminating packaging waste. Recycling Steps: Consider product packaging when purchasing. Look for packaging made with recycled material or if it’s designed to be refillable. You might also consider if the product is concentrated, because a…
July 14, 2022
To be sustainable, we must meet our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. As an industry, we are striving to optimize use of our planet’s resources across all phases of a product’s lifecycle. In order to achieve this, we must pay particular attention to the water and energy we use and the waste we generate as a result of creating cleaning products. The product packaging is critical in allowing your cleaning product to be safely transported to you…
February 8, 2019
One of the main uses for cleaning products is washing clothes and dishes. Each load of clothes and dishes requires water, and energy is often used to heat that water. While one load of laundry or dishes may seem like a small task, when you consider all the times we run the washing machine or dishwasher in a week and multiply that by all the households doing the same thing, it adds up! The good news is that our washing machines and dishwashers are getting more efficient. In the U.S., a new…
February 8, 2019
Procter & Gamble Across the cleaning product supply chain, companies have increased production, adapted manufacturing lines, donated money and resources, and taken extra measures to protect their employees. Here is one such story from Procter & Gamble. See our full COVID-19 Impact Report for more. Since 2005, Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) Tide Loads of Hope program has been providing free laundry services to communities affected by natural disaster…
September 20, 2020
The Clorox Company Across the cleaning product supply chain, companies have increased production, adapted manufacturing lines, donated money and resources, and taken extra measures to protect their employees. Here is one such story from The Clorox Company. See our full COVID-19 Impact Report for more. As organizations across the U.S. began to reopen, they needed to create new protocols. While Clorox’s role had traditionally been in the household and healthcare spaces, the…
September 20, 2020