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, some fabrics,…
The majority of laundering questions that arise today have to do with poor cleaning results, poor soil and stain removal, residues of lint and scum, and fabric damage. Here are the typical problems with causes and treatments most likely to solve them. Ways to prevent problems from occurring are also given. Our laundry basics guide has more information on how to do laundry. Greyness-Overall / Uneven Yellowing - Body Soil Build up Fabric Discoloration…
The warm summer months are here and with it come the small shifts we make with the change of seasons. Jackets may get packed away and lighter clothes get pulled out. If you’re ready to transition to summer, here are some tips to get you ready: Store Seasonal Clothing Summer in many parts of the country mean fewer layers. It’s time to put heavier clothes into storage and make room for some summer finery. But don't just put them out of sight and out of…
ACI and Good Housekeeping’s Second Annual Summit Takes Place October 27 Free, Virtual Event Will Explore the Important Role Cleaning Plays in All Facets of Daily Life Stay Up to Date on Latest Speaker Updates: https://live.goodhousekeeping.com/discovercleaningsummit Registration is now open for the second summit hosted by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and Good Housekeeping magazine: Discover Cleaning 2021: Cleaning
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 before using. If machine washing is recommended, you…
Q: We had a real tree for Christmas but now I am finding tree sap everywhere! What is the best way to clean mittens, coats and my carpet?  A: Rubbing alcohol can remove sap from washable clothing, knit gloves, and rugs, because it acts as a solvent. For clothes, even a down coat, saturate the area with alcohol, let sit for a minute, then launder in warm water with regular detergent. Heat sets stains, so be sure all the sap is gone before using the dryer. Repeat the…
The Cold Water Saves Initiative educates about the benefits of cold water washing, a sustainable action that greatly benefits the environment with little effort on the individual’s part. What's in it for me? Save energy. Save your clothes. Save the planet. About 90% of the energy the washing machine uses goes towards heating the water. According to the Sierra Club, every household that switches to cold water washing could eliminate about…
Cleaning plastic surfaces properly helps maintain their appearance and extends their lifespan. To clean plastic items, always start by removing any loose dirt or dust with a soft cloth or brush. Use a cleaning product specifically formulated for plastics, and avoid abrasive substances, or products containing ammonia, as these can damage or streak the plastic. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent spotting. For best results,…