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OverviewQuaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are a class of disinfectant ingredients commonly used in household, healthcare, and commercial cleaning products. They are effective against a broad range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including viruses like SARS-CoV-2. QQuat-based disinfectants are rigorously tested, regulated, and considered safe and effective for helping protect public health wwhen used according to label directions.Key TakeawaysQuats are EPA-regulated, tested…
Q. Can sponges be sanitized in the microwave?
Using the microwave can be risky. Unless the sponge is soaking wet, there is the possibility of starting a fire. In addition, the size of the sponge and the amount of power in the microwave are variables that influence how long you would need to zap it to kill germs. A better way is to soak the sponge for five minutes in a solution of one quart water to three tablespoons of chlorine bleach. Let the sponge air-dry. Replace your…
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. &…
97% Think Cleaning, Hygiene Are Important for Public HealthHealthy Cleaning Priorities: Handwashing, Cleaning Toilets/Showers, Disinfecting SurfacesLearn More about ACI’s 2025 Cleaning Survey ResultsKicking off National Cleaning Week, ACI unveils 2025 as the year of “Cleaning for Health”Nearly all Americans (97%) think cleaning and hygiene are important for public health and…
Q: I unpacked my tent to get ready for the camping season, and found there was mold growing in the folds. How do I clean it without ruining the water-resistant properties?
A: If possible, start by contacting the tent manufacturer for specific directions. If this isn't possible, wait for a warm, sunny day and then set up your tent in a shady location. Shake or brush off dirt and any other debris that can be easily removed. Fill a bucket with warm water, add a few…
“With a severe flu season underway and the threat of a global pandemic, it’s important to avoid confusion among parents and other consumers that would prevent them from using the very disinfectants that are proven to effectively kill germs and therefore protect public health during times like these.”
The…
No matter the type of product you are using (soap or detergent), good cleaning takes a lot of energy. Three different kinds to be exact:
Chemical energy, provided by the soap or detergent
Mechanical energy, provided by a machine or by hand
Thermal energy, provided by heating water Let’s look at how all these elements work together.
Assume we have a great, big, oily, greasy stain on one of our favorite shirts. Water alone is not enough to remove the stain and get our…
This independent consumer research study was completed in January/February 2008, on behalf of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), by International Communications Research (ICR).
Do you regularly engage in spring cleaning?
This survey question was asked of 1,013 American adults (507 men and 506 women) and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
Results:
Yes (77%)
No (23%)
Insights:
The number of spring cleaners is up. In polls taken in 2002 and 2007…
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 process if any…