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To remove most lipstick stains from napkins, put the napkin stain down on top of a couple layers of paper towel or absorbent towel. Dampen another towel with rubbing alcohol (70 or 90 percent), then dab, dab, dab the stained area. Look underneath and you should see lipstick on the paper towels. Keep at it until all of the stain is gone. Some long-lasting lipsticks may need more work to get off.
You also can spritz a prewash spray onto both sides of the fabric, let set for a few minutes to let…
February 8, 2019
Q. My New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking. But how can I make my rugs, furniture and draperies stop smelling like cigarettes?
A. Open up the windows and let the fresh air in. For items like throw blankets, pillow covers and curtains that can be laundered, wash them or take them to the drycleaners. Vacuum the floor and carpet, window treatments, upholstery and lamp shades. Then spray fabric refresher on all the fabric surfaces. Smooth surfaces, such as mirrors, floors and…
March 11, 2019
Treat and wash stains promptly!
Holiday entertaining is fraught with potential disasters. But a cool head and the right products will keep a mini-crisis from becoming a major problem. Here are some quick and easy remedies from the American Cleaning Institute:
Stains
Turkey, gravy, butter, and salad dressing (oil-based stains): Pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric.
Cranberry sauce, apple cider, and pumpkin pie (fruit-…
February 8, 2019
Thank you for volunteering to review the 2019 applications for the Healthy Schools, Healthy People Applications national awards. This program is a joint initiative of the American Cleaning Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is designed to get the entire school community talking about clean hands. Click the video below to learn how you can help determine who will earn this year's national award!
If you have any questions, email SNAP@cleaninginstitute.org or…
March 9, 2019
Q: I've given up buying coffee in the morning in favor of bringing my own in a travel mug. However, the cup sits in my car all day and doesn't get washed until late at night. The inside is a little grungy. How do I get it really clean?
A: There are several ways to remove coffee stains. You may have to experiment to see which one works best on your particular travel mug. Since soaking is easier than scrubbing, try one of these methods first: using chlorine bleach, soak the mug…
March 11, 2019
ACI’s 2017 Mid-Year Meeting drew more than 100 attendees from 40 companies.
The meeting was held at ACI’s Washington, DC offices.
The 2017 Mid-Year Meeting opened with a speaker session that provided an overview of the impact of carbon emissions and climate change and how companies can and are addressing it. The session featured Sarah Law, of CDP who provided attendees insights on industry trends and examples of corporate approaches to climate change. Chris Sayer of…
February 4, 2019
Q. My child plays little league baseball, and his socks and uniform get so dirty. What’s the best way to clean them?
A. First, pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Look for a stain remover that contains enzymes to remove the grass stains. Then, launder in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric, using a bleach that’s safe for the fabric. Repeat procedure if necessary.
For dirt stains, brush off as much residue as possible. (If the dirt is actually mud, let the mud dry completely before…
March 11, 2019
Q: Because they can be uncomfortable and not always safe, last year I convinced my kids to forgo masks in favor of face paint and other makeup to create their Halloween "personas." It was a great success and we're doing it again this year. The only problem is the makeup stains on their outfits. Some stain-removal help, please!
A: Stains from face paint, makeup, hair gel and lipstick can all be treated with a prewash stain remover, and then laundered in the hottest water that…
March 11, 2019
The holidays can be a hectic time with visits from family and friends, shopping and cooking special meals. But cleaning doesn't have to add to your stress. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza or ringing in the New Year, we have you covered with tips on everything from preparing for the holidays and hosting guests to cleaning up afterward.
The Mad Dash: Preparing for the…
February 4, 2019
The following question was asked of 1,000 adults (447 men and 553 women). The independent consumer research study was completed online by Echo Research February 29-March 4, 2012, on behalf of the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
How often, if at all, do you or someone in your household engage in spring cleaning?
Every year (62%)
Every other year (8%)
Every few years (7%)
Less often than every few years (4%)…
February 5, 2019