The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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Today is the perfect time to stop and think about your laundry routine. We have tips for how to get clothes clean as well as advice to make sure you’re practicing safe laundry habits, particularly around liquid laundry packets and bleach. If single-load liquid laundry packets are your go-to, always keep them safely away from children, out of reach or locked in cabinets and drawers…
Did you know that there are different levels of laundry? There’s routine everyday cleaning and then there are the extra steps and enhanced precautions you should be taking when a family member is sick or has a weakened immune system. We relied on laundry safety experts to determine what precautions were recommended when and created a three-level laundry guide for best laundry practices for better health. Know…
Are your black jeans, t-shirt or your little black dress not as black as they used to be? For the most part, it’s pretty inevitable that dark clothes will fade after repeated washings. There are laundry products that are formulated to lessen the fading. Be sure to read the product label and look for features like color guard or "for black" or "dark clothes". And always follow the product and garment label instructions…
Some clothes are easier to care for than others. Here are some guides for dealing with tricky fabrics, specific color groups, and links to our supporting topic pages. Explore laundry basics and a how-to list, good detergents, and precautions to take around children on laundry day! Dark Clothes…
Always use the proper amount of detergent when washing. What's the right amount? Read the label and keep in mind that too much detergent or too little can leave your clothes less clean than using the optimal amount. Follow the fabric care instructions on your clothing. Also, be sure to keep all laundry products up and out of reach of children and adults with dementia. Detergents on the market today have been formulated and tested to be…
You’ve invested in the clothing that will protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. But are you taking care of those rash guard shirts as well as you are caring for your skin? If you don’t launder them properly, they can lose their effectiveness. So read up! Rinse it out with fresh water immediately after wearing Never use hot water, only cool or lukewarm Turn the garment inside out and hand wash, using a biodegradable soap Hang dry away from direct sun or heat Don’t fold or ball up…
Life's messy. Have a stain you're not sure how to get out? How to remove stains from clothes:Deal with it as early as possible. The less time a stain has to soak in, the easier it will be to remove, although there are ways to remove old stains out of clothes as well.Pre-treat with a stain remover, then let it soak in.Launder according to the fabric care…
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…
Are you using single-load liquid laundry packets? Single-load liquid laundry packets (also referred to as laundry pods, pacs, or packs) are a new laundry innovation containing highly concentrated detergent. If not safely stored or handled properly, the laundry packets can lead to injury from ingestion or exposure to the eyes. Remember, children act fast, so do accidents! The American Cleaning Institute urges…
Q: I suspect that our new backyard has some poison ivy. If I wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants to protect me, how do I clean these clothes when I'm finished gardening so I don't spread the poison ivy?  A: You are right to be concerned. Poison ivy produces a resin called urushiol. This resin is the culprit that triggers allergic rash reactions in most people. When it remains on unwashed clothing, it is still active. Avoid touching your…