The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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Family life runs more smoothly when there is a shared responsibility for the housework. Whether it's a simple effort like putting dirty clothes in the hamper or a major job like washing the kitchen floor, almost every family member can contribute in some way that fits his/her age and other responsibilities. These guidelines help everyone in the family find a way to pitch in and make doing the housework easier and less of a one-person chore.Practice Prevention Keep…
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…
Cleaning fine washables for picture perfect portraits Holiday portraits, with family members dressed in their best, are cherished momentos. Whether it's a once-in-lifetime event or a yearly tradition for your family, looking good is the goal. Portrait-worthy Fabrics Clothes that are clean and sparkling are the perfect complement to those smiling faces. To make sure your garments are portrait worthy, the American Cleaning Institute…
Q: From blueberries in summer to cranberries over the holidays, berries are enjoyed in our home throughout the year. The stains they leave behind are not. How do we get rid of them (the stains, not the berries!)? A: Blueberry, blackberry, boysenberry, strawberry, cranberry, raspberry …  whether it's baking them or eating them ... stains are bound to happen. If the stain is fresh, flush it with cool water to remove some of the residue. Then,…
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…
I’ve heard enzymatic cleaners can be helpful for removing stains. What are the best tips for using cleaning products with enzymes effectively? Enzymatic cleaners are gaining popularity for their ability to tackle tough stains using the power of enzyme proteins. Through biological processes, enzymes break down organic stains and residues, making them effective for removing pet accidents, food spills and more. Identify the right cleaner for the…
Whether you’re having a small dinner party or an all-out bash, there’s probably going to be some straightening up and cleaning before guests arrive and definitely some clean up to do afterward. Pre Party Cleaning Give your home a thorough cleaning, following our room-by-room cleaning guide. Be sure to keep some paper towels or cloths handy for cleaning up the inevitable spills as they occur.…
Clean water is a critical element of cleaning.  The vast majority of water on Earth’s surface, over 96%, is saline water in the oceans (USGS). Which means, even though water is plentiful there are limited resources of fresh water to relay on. Beyond cleaning, we also need water to drink and to grow food. The average household may use 88,000 gallons of water per year (REU2016). Within your home, faucets and clothes washers…
Cleaning products play an essential role in daily life. They can remove dirt and stains from our clothes, dried on food from our dishes, and even germs from our hands!  Let’s learn more about the chemistry that makes this happen. What Is Cleaning?  Cleaning is the process of taking something dirty—like your kitchen counter—and removing dirt, grease, and grime found on it. When we clean, we leave things…
We love fresh fall breezes, but not when it blows dust and grime into our home. Here are some tips for cleaning the entire window, coverings, sills and glass: Window Sills and Frames: Remove dirt and debris. Use a small broom or vacuum window frames and sills to get rid of dust, soot, cobwebs, and dead insects. Wipe plastic or vinyl frames and sills with cleaning wipes. If you use a spray product, be sure to spray the product on cloth, and…