The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

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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
The body of scientific evidence currently available indicates that the use of antibacterial products does not give rise to superbugs. Superbugs are bacteria types that have become resistant to the antiseptics and antibiotic agents which were designed to eliminate them. Consequently, superbugs are known to cause infections which are difficult to control. It is generally accepted that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has given rise to the known superbugs. As the amount of cleaning and…
June 15, 2021
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
How To Clean to Get Your House Ready for Sale! Tips for Getting It Buyer-Ready When 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 Clutter Many potential buyers may not see past dirt and clutter. If the house is crowded with the owner's "stuff," they will assume that the house is…
December 5, 2018
Procter & Gamble Across the cleaning product supply chain, companies have increased production, adapted manufacturing lines, donated money and resources, and taken extra measures to protect their employees. Here is one such story from Procter & Gamble. See our full COVID-19 Impact Report for more. Since 2005, Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) Tide Loads of Hope program has been providing free laundry services to communities affected by…
September 20, 2020
Q: I know that hard water can leave mineral deposits that cause spotting on glassware. Does very hard water also inhibit a detergent's ability to dissolve completely? Is the fine powder-like film residue on dishware actually the remains of undissolved detergent?  A: That white deposit is not undissolved detergent. It is a film residue caused by the hard-water minerals that remain after the water has evaporated – the same culprit that causes spotting! To prevent either…
March 11, 2019
However long it takes you, ACI has a few suggestions for addressing the ABCs of spring cleaning. A is for Asthma and Allergy Triggers During this challenging winter, many of us were snowed in with our pets whose dander is one of the most common triggers. Compound that with a few months of everyday dust and the tiniest unwelcome guests who seek shelter in our homes during cold weather, and it’s time to do away with the "A." Have an allergen control plan. Clean one room at a time,…
December 5, 2018
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…
December 5, 2018