The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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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…
With a little preparation, you can be ready to enjoy a stress-free picnic. When preparing or serving food in the great outdoors, there are a few extra steps and considerations that you may not have at home or even in your backyard. Food needs to be stored properly to be safely consumed during your al fresco meal. Spills and stains have more time to set before they can get to the laundry. And you need to be prepared to clean up thoroughly to leave things…
Q: My summer resolution was to make sure my kids get plenty of outdoor exercise. In addition to limiting their indoor activities, as a family, we've been doing lots of weekend picnicking and hiking. The downside is that our clothes are full of grass, dirt and sweat stains. How do I get rid of them?  A: For grass stains, pretreat the stains with a prewash stain remover or rub liquid laundry detergent into the…
Writing letters, arts and crafts, homework, making a grocery list … it doesn’t really matter how it got there. But if you take a close look around, you’re bound to find pen, marker, pencil or crayon markings on walls, desks, tables and furniture. Here’s how to remove those stains on a variety of surfaces. Painted Walls and Painted Wood Furniture Test the washability of the surface by first washing an inconspicuous area. Use a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner or a wood…
Shopping for clothes at secondhand stores also comes with some uncertainty, like questions surrounding the last time an item was laundered, the possibility of leftover germs and mystery stains. We’re sharing tips on cleaning thrifted and vintage clothing. 
Q: Because they can be uncomfortable and not always safe, last year I convinced my kids to forgo masks in favor of face paint and other makeup to create their Halloween "personas." It was a great success and we're doing it again this year. The only problem is the makeup stains on their outfits. Some stain-removal help, please! A: Stains from face paint, makeup, hair gel and lipstick can all be treated with a prewash stain remover, and then…
Cleaning products play an essential role in our daily lives. Follow these cleaning tips and cleaning advice to safely and effectively removing soils, germs and other contaminants, so that you can stay healthy, care for your home and make your surroundings more enjoyable. Where to Clean Get quick cleaning…
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,…
How Do I Spring Clean? To get started spring cleaning, start by decluttering, then create a list of tasks, divided by room. Inventory your supplies, then tackle your spring cleaning checklist all at once or break it up into smaller chunks. The average household breaks up spring cleaning chores across six days.Prep for Spring Cleaning Day(s)Inventory your supplies and add what’s missing to your grocery…
Don’t let the crafty kid messes add to your stresses. The American Cleaning Institute offers these tips for cleaning up after your budding Picasso has finished with arts and crafts. Choose Wisely: Stock your craft closet with washable paints and markers and water-based craft glue. If any of the coloring mediums get on clothes, simply pretreat the stain with a prewash stain remover and toss the soiled items in the…