The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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Cleaning on your own for the first time can be both exciting and challenging. You have the freedom to decide how and when to clean your space, but you also have to take care of everything yourself. Or, you may be living with roommates and negotiating sharing cleaning tasks. Whether you are moving out of your parents' house, starting college, or living on your own for the first time, you need some basic skills and knowledge to keep your place clean and comfortable…
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 listMake a to-do list for what you want to clean, then divide it up by task…
Fabric softeners and enhancers are popular for a reason; they help keep your clothes looking and feeling their best. What Is It and Why Use It?Fabric softeners (also called fabric conditioners) are a popular type of fabric enhancer, used in laundry to make fabrics feel softer and fluffier, reduce static and wrinkles, and often also add a pleasant scent. They protect fabric, preventing fading,…
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…
Q: Pie is always a favorite dessert in our house. So when we found out that January 23rd is National Pie Day, we thought it was a great excuse for a dessert party! We'd like to make it a fun evening, maybe with checked tablecloths and napkins. But we realize that inviting a bunch of people over to eat pie is also an invitation to stains. How do we get rid of them (the stains, not the guests!)?  A: Blueberry, cherry, boysenberry, strawberry, apple, rhubarb … no matter what your…
How To Clean to Get Your House Ready for Sale!Tips for Getting It Buyer-ReadyWhen a house is for sale, the goal is to make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The most cost-efficient way to spruce up the home is to clean it thoroughly. Here's how to clean your house from top to bottom fast.Getting Rid of ClutterMany potential buyers may not see past dirt and clutter. If the house is crowded with the owner's "stuff," they will assume that the…
When living with young children and babies, creating a safe and functional home often requires careful consideration. This is especially important in high-risk areas of the home, such as the laundry room, medicine cabinet and sleeping spaces. To help you achieve this, we’ve collaborated with organization and child safety experts to share insights on creating a safe home, no matter the size. Whether you’re reorganizing, revamping or preparing to bring a new baby home, this comprehensive