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Understand the language of soaps and detergents.
ALCOHOL: A class of organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups. The alcohols used in light duty and liquid laundry detergents are isopropanol or ethanol (ethyl alcohol). These alcohols are used at low levels in liquid detergent formulations to control viscosity, to act as a solvent for other ingredients, and to provide resistance to low and freezing temperatures encountered in shipping, warehousing, and use. &…
Automatic dishwashers represent a tremendous saving in time and effort; they minimize breakage through reduced handling of dishes; they help keep the kitchen neater and more clutter-free; and cleanup after entertaining is simplified. These are benefits that have much appeal to consumers.
In order to ensure that public health standards are maintained, hospitals and many other food service institutions are required by law to clean dishes by automatic dishwashing methods.
The benefits of an…
CDC, Team Lead Domestic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Epidemiology Team
Jennifer Cope, MD, MPH is a medical epidemiologist and infectious disease physician with the Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases at CDC where she leads the Domestic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Epidemiology Team. Dr. Cope obtained a BS in Microbiology…
The holidays can do a number on your home! Between house guests, holiday feasts, and kids on school breaks, your house probably need some TLC. Try these tips to clean up and start New Year off on a sparkling clean foot.
Clean Up After House Guests
Give your house’s surfaces a deep clean. Wash all your linens. Vacuum carpets, floors, and baseboards to give yourself a fresh start. Clean out your refrigerator - eat the last of those yummy leftovers and then clean and store your…
Q. My daughter's teddy bear has seen better days. How can I get it clean?A. Teddy bears are objects of unconditional love. They snuggle into beds at night. They travel in backpacks, in car seats and on airplanes. They endure sticky fingers, dusty corners, and gooey kisses. They've even been known to stand in for pacifiers and chew toys. It's no wonder that this best buddy could use a bath!Start by vacuuming off any dust and loose grime. Then check for split seams; repair them…
Laundry can be a good focus chores and tasks can be given to toddlers on up, however the most important place to start is what not to do. First, teach the importance of laundry safety. Our child activity sheet can help, along with the other resources and information available in our Packets Up! campaign.
Next, sorting is a good place to start. It's important to wash like with like. So, teach them to check garment labels. All clothing and fabrics that call for the same…
Can the kind of water you have affect your laundry? You bet. It depends on the water’s softness or hardness. Soft water aids cleaning. Hard water poses some obstacles to cleaning.
Image used with permission: Ramona Lynam
These special-occasion items should be hand washed to preserve their finishes:
Crystal
Decorated glassware
Hand-painted ceramics or stoneware
Milk glass
Pewter
Silver
Items with precious metal (such as gold or platinum trim)
HOW
When washing by hand, follow these easy instructions:
1. Use clean, hot water and liquid dish soap.
2. Start with lightly soiled items, followed by plates, serving dishes…
Please see answers to some of the commonly asked questions below.
Product Safety
Q: Is it safe to mix cleaning products together?
A: Never mix cleaning products, as the ingredients can react to form a toxic gas. It’s important to always use products as directed on the product label.
Q: Is it safe to use disinfectant…