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What is 1,4-dioxane?1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of manufacturing processes for some surfactants (the workhorse ingredients) contained in cleaning products and detergents. It is not an intentionally added ingredient, present at very low, trace levels.Why is 1,4-dioxane in cleaning products? 1,4-dioxane is an unintended byproduct of manufacturing. It is not an ingredient and not intentionally added.Is 1,4-dioxane in cleaning products harmful?No. According to a 2020 determination by the U.…
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 the home as well as the mind can be reduced of…
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 grime. They surround and loosen particles of grease,…
Your teeth are clean. But is your mirror?Whether your children are learning how to brush their teeth or water splashed and left spots, how do you keep the mirror clean? It’s wonderful that you’ve convinced your children to brush their teeth. But unfortunately, good oral hygiene often comes with a mess – toothpaste globs and schmears on the counter and mirror. Not to worry. With a little bit of elbow grease and the right product, your bathroom can look as good as new. (Until the next brushing,…
However long it takes you, ACI has a few suggestions for addressing the ABCs of spring cleaning.A is for Asthma and Allergy TriggersDuring this challenging winter, many of us were snowed in with our pets whose dander is one of the most common triggers. Compound that with a few months of everyday dust and the tiniest unwelcome guests who seek shelter in our homes during cold weather, and it’s time to do away with the "A."Have an allergen control plan. Clean one room at a time, starting…
Am I cleaning too much? Is that a thing I should be worrying about?Setting and maintaining high hygiene standards is not cleaning too much. It is an important part of defending ourselves against infections and illnesses. You want to focus on cleaning regularly at key times for health. 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…
How Should I Load the Dishwasher?
Load the dishwasher with plates, bowls, pots and pans on the bottom and glasses and plastic on the top.How should dishes be prepared for the dishwasher?For dishwashers made in the past 10 years, simply scrape off food. You do not need to rinse. This wastes water. Many dishwashers have a "quick rinse" setting that will take the place of rinsing in the sink (and, again, save water.)How should the dishwasher be loaded?Don’t overload…
I can’t decide if I want to get a scented product or a fragrance-free one. What are the pros and cons of each?When choosing a detergent or cleaning product, think about how the product makes you feel about your cleaning routine. Scent is an important factor—some people enjoy a pleasant fragrance, while others prefer products without any scent. Using a cleaning product with a scent you love can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Certain fragrances can transport you to a…
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. Are there anything other than intentionally added ingredients in cleaning products?A. Yes. Cleaning products primarily contain intentionally added ingredients that help them clean effectively, such as surfactants, builders, solvents, enzymes, preservatives, fragrances, and other functional ingredients. In some cases, cleaning products may also contain extremely small amounts of substances that are not intentionally added for a cleaning function. These are often called trace chemicals, trace…