The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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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 squirts of…
Q. What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and is it safe for use in cleaning products?A. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used surfactant that removes oily stains and residues used in cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products that is safe when used properly. In cleaning products, SLS functions by wetting surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils and suspending soil so that it can be rinsed away. This…
New professional development event debuts June 11–12 in CincinnatiThe American Cleaning Institute (ACI) has opened registration for the inaugural ACI Spark Summit, a new professional development event designed specifically for early- and mid-career professionals across the cleaning product supply chain. The two-day meeting will take place June 11-12, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio.ACI members can find registration details online at https://my.cleaninginstitute.org/26SS-Home.Developed to help…
General Zhen Wanga, Dan Dinha, W. Casan Scott, E. Spencer Williams, Michael Ciarlo, Paul DeLeo, Bryan W. Brooks 2019
Cleaning can lead to a lot of questions and we’re here to help. Here are answers to some of the questions we’ve gotten. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out our stain guide, surface cleaning guide and other home cleaning resources. In addition, get the latest tips and advice from our Cleaning Is Caring blog! If you have an idea for a question you think we should add to this list, please submit it below. Submit your question Form…
Get the jump on seasonal cleaning! It's fall, so how about getting started with spring cleaning?! While that may sound like a contradiction in terms, stop and think about it. Warm summer months means vacations away from home and more time spent outdoors. But while you were out enjoying yourself, dirt and grime didn't take a vacation. They sat around the house, accumulating and multiplying. And, now, with the winter months ahead and the holiday seasons rushing in…
ACI Sustainability Goal: Increase transparency to provide people with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Q: I suspect that our new backyard has some poison ivy. If I wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants to protect me, how do I clean these clothes when I'm finished gardening so I don't spread the poison ivy?  A: You are right to be concerned. Poison ivy produces a resin called urushiol. This resin is the culprit that triggers allergic rash reactions in most people. When it remains on unwashed clothing, it is still active. Avoid touching your clothes with bare hands or…
The Ingredient Naming Translator was generated in order to clarify the various naming conventions that can apply to a single cleaning product ingredient, so that any user of a cleaning product can access information about the ingredient they are interested in.  Please note that the Translator was developed as a comprehensive cross reference of ingredient names encountered during the Cleaning Product Ingredient Safety Initiative. As such, the same ingredient name may appear multiple…