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Q: I’ve done a good job keeping my skin protected from the sun, and my kids protected from mosquitoes. But now I have bug spray and sunscreen on my clothes. What do I do?
While that’s definitely good news for you and your kids, it sounds like the family wardrobe didn’t make out as well. But don’t fear; most commercially available bug sprays and sunscreens do wash out relatively easily. First, pretreat the stains with a prewash stain remover, then launder,…
February 8, 2019
Parents: 20 Seconds Could Save You or Your Kids Weeks in Bed this Cold & Flu Season
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We’re already deep into cold and flu season – but it’s never too late to start protecting yourself. Easy step? Keep your hands clean. Consider this: 65% of U.S. parents of children ages 5 and under don’t always wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, according to a new survey by Wakefield Research for the American Cleaning…
February 8, 2019
Do the Dishes Every Day
Help kids think of "doing the dishes" as a daily routine. Cleaning up every night makes for a brighter morning … makes the work easier, as it prevents additional "stuck-on messes" to be scrubbed, and even helps reduce bugs and other pests in the kitchen!
SAFETY TIP:
Be extra careful when handling kitchen knives! Don’t pile them in the sink; instead, wash them one by one and immediately place them handle-up…
December 6, 2018
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the single most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others is to wash our hands.
When should you clean your hands?
Regular handwashing with soap and running water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. If soap and water are not…
February 4, 2019
Q: My kids love the Cookie Monster, and he inspired them to help me make holiday cookies. But our cookie decorating sessions always end up with food coloring stains on their clothes. How do I remove them?
If you treat the stains as soon as the decorating session is over, they will be easier to remove.
Start by sponging the stain with cold water to remove as much of the food coloring as possible. Then pretreat with a prewash stain-remover and launder. If the…
February 8, 2019
The majority of laundering questions that arise today have to do with poor cleaning results, poor soil and stain removal, residues of lint and scum, and fabric damage. Here are the typical problems with causes and treatments most likely to solve them. Ways to prevent problems from occurring are also given. Our laundry basics guide has more information on how to do laundry.
Greyness-Overall / Uneven
Yellowing - Body Soil Build up
Fabric Discoloration
Blue Stains
Yellow / Brown…
December 6, 2018
Image used with permission: Ramona Lynam
These special-occasion items should be hand washed to preserve their finishes:
Crystal
Decorated glassware
Hand-painted ceramics or stoneware
Milk glass
Pewter
Silver
Items with precious metal (such as gold or platinum trim)
HOW
When washing by hand, follow these easy instructions:
1. Use clean, hot water and liquid dish soap.
2. Start with lightly soiled items, followed…
February 8, 2019
How to keep your favorite sweaters in tip-top shape
When it's time to put away sweaters for the season, say goodbye to losing a favorite sweater before its prime with these tips from the American Cleaning Institute:
Shop Talk
When choosing a sweater, price is just one consideration.
Construction. Harder, tighter yarns are more durable than soft, loose ones, which tend to stretch easily. That's why a fisherman's sweater is more suited to rugged, outdoor activity and a cashmere…
December 6, 2018
If you take public transportation, this is a place where germs can spread quickly, especially during cold and flu season. Washing your hands before and after your commute can help.
If you bike to work, be sure to wash any grease off your hands when you get to work. If you’ve gotten grease on your clothes, take care of the stain until you have a chance to go home and do laundry (always following the fabric care label). Dab a very small amount of liquid …
February 8, 2019
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 urges gentle care for fine fabrics:…
March 4, 2019