The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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What’s the best way to clean after someone in the home has been sick?When someone in your household has been ill, effective cleaning becomes especially important to help prevent the spread of germs and restore a healthy environment. Here are practical steps to follow:Focus on high-touch surfaces: Pay special attention to doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, faucets, countertops and phones as these areas are frequently touched and can harbor viruses and bacteria.Use…
Q. What is the history of spring cleaning?A. Spring cleaning has been around since ancient times. Cleansing the home, particularly the kitchen, is part of the Jewish celebration of Passover involving removing any traces of leavened bread products. Many cultures have long celebrated this season with tidying up, including Catholics cleaning the church altar and their homes as part of Holy Week. It has traditionally been a time of renewal, when…
Q. How do you clean safely if you or a loved one has cancer?A. If you are caring for a loved one with cancer, you’re dealing with a lot already. It can be easy to fall behind on some of the everyday tasks like cleaning. However, cleaning plays an important role in health. If a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, it can weaken the body’s immune system and make them more susceptible to other illnesses. A clean space can also provide a place of calm and control…
Laundry SafetyQ. Would you store your laundry products in decorative jars or containers?40% said no, I would not27% said I would consider it17% said I plan to16% said I already doQ. When it comes to storing your cleaning products, please rank the following factors in order of importance.43% ranked safety first25% ranked convenience first21% ranked organization first11% ranked aesthetics firstLaundry HabitsQ. How many loads of laundry does your household do each week, on average…
What’s the science behind how cleaning products remove dirt and bacteria?Cleaning products work by leveraging chemistry and biology to break down, lift, and eliminate unwanted substances from surfaces. Most cleaning agents contain active ingredients—such as surfactants, enzymes, or disinfectants—that target specific types of dirt and microorganisms.Surfactants are molecules that reduce surface tension, allowing water to spread and penetrate…
Fabric softeners and enhancers are popular for a reason; they help keep your clothes looking and feeling their best. What Is It and Why Use It?Fabric softeners (also called fabric conditioners) are a popular type of fabric enhancer, used in laundry to make fabrics feel softer and fluffier, reduce static and wrinkles, and often also add a pleasant scent. They protect fabric, preventing fading, pilling, fuzzing, and…
A Journey Through the Last Century of Cleaning 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s 1920s…
Are cleaning products safe? OverviewBy following label instructions and recommended safety practices, families can confidently and safely use cleaning products in their homes and communities.Modern cleaning products undergo scientific testing and are subject to regulatory oversight, helping to substantiate their safety when used as directed. In fact, proper usage of cleaning products can promote wellness by…
Q: How can I reduce microplastics in my laundry?A. Laundry does contribute to microplastic pollution. Synthetic fibers can get released in wastewater and can end up in our oceans. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your laundry’s contribution to microplastics:Look for natural fabrics. When looking for new clothing options, it can help to familiarize yourself which the names of popular synthetic materials and consider favoring fabrics that use a higher percentage of natural…
Q. How do I clean stainless steel appliances?A. Stainless steel has made the move from commercial kitchens to the favored finish in many of today's sleekest residential kitchens (and in the laundry room, too). But in a busy household, spots, streaks and sticky fingerprints can quickly mar its lustrous look.But aesthetics aren't the only reason to keep stainless steel clean. Although consumers think of stainless steel as a finish that will last a lifetime, that's not entirely true…