The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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Family life runs more smoothly when there is a shared responsibility for the housework. Whether it's a simple effort like putting dirty clothes in the hamper or a major job like washing the kitchen floor, almost every family member can contribute in some way that fits his/her age and other responsibilities. Everyone in the family can find a way to pitch in and make doing the housework easier and less of a one-person chore, regardless of experience level. Here Is a Basic Cleaning Guide:…
December 6, 2018
“The products and chemistries our industry creates are leading us to a clean and vibrant future.”       - Melissa Hockstad, ACI President & CEO Our Future Is Clean is ACI’s campaign highlighting the cleaning products industry’s efforts toward a clean, sustainable world and to promote consumers’ health and well-being.   ACI is proud to lead an industry movement involving the biggest companies in the cleaning product sector. Working…
August 21, 2019
Q. I have a really dirty carpet that I'm looking to get clean. What carpet cleaning can I try before calling in a professional? The easiest way to have a clean carpet is to keep it from getting dirty, by taking off shoes and limiting bringing food in carpeted areas. Once there is a stain, deal with it quickly, using a carpet cleaner, and always make sure to dab at the stain to lift it out instead of rubbing it further…
September 25, 2019
Q. American Heart Health Month has inspired me to use my treadmill (for exercise, not a clothes rack!) How do I clean it? Keeping your treadmill and other exercise equipment clean is important for maintenance and safety. Fortunately, it’s easy. (Much easier than keeping up with a rigorous exercise routine.) Just follow these steps and you’ll be off and running! Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away sweat on the deck, handrails and conveyer belt…
February 8, 2019
Cleaning quickly is all about having a plan. You need to tidy up, go top down and focus where your cleaning has outsized effect in terms of looking good and keeping you and your family safe. Get Ready Prepare to clean so you don’t waste time or resources by accident. Gather your cleaning products. Read the directions so you know you are using them safely and effectively. The label contains important information about how much product you should use to get the best results.…
December 6, 2018
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. Its hard, oxide coating…
December 5, 2018
Grout is generally porous and white or light colored and can get dirty or discolored quickly. Get it clean with a little chemistry and a bit of elbow grease. First off, you'll want to use an alkaline cleaner. Grout is primarily cement and can be dissolved by acids. Over time, an acidic cleaner may require you to re-grout sooner than intended. How do you know if your cleaner will do the trick? Typically the product label will tell you the surfaces it works on. Or, if it…
March 17, 2021
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. My child plays little league baseball, and his socks and uniform get so dirty. What’s the best way to clean them? A. First, pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Look for a stain remover that contains enzymes to remove the grass stains. Then, launder in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric, using a bleach that’s safe for the fabric. Repeat procedure if necessary. For dirt stains, brush off as much residue as possible. (If the dirt…
March 11, 2019
Child care is essential for millions of working parents and caregivers across the country. This became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The C Is for Clean: Building Blocks of Health Child Care toolkit is designed to serve all members of the child care community, from providers and employees to children and parents/caregivers, echoing public health guidelines for disinfecting, cleaning and reinforcing hand hygiene…
June 23, 2021