Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can go a long way in preventing the spread of illnesses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (coronavirus, COVID-19). But how do you know which needs to be done and if you’re doing it correctly? The key is in knowing the difference between the two and what is...
How and When to Use Bleach
If you’ve never used bleach and have questions about it, we’ve got you covered. Bleach is great for disinfecting surfaces, clothes, and linens. Other types of soaps and detergents are better for routine cleaning. Bleach is for when you want to sanitize, as well as get your clothes nice and...
How to Spot Junk Science
Today is National S.T.E.A.M. Day – time to inspire kids to focus on the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Since so much science is involved in the formulation and evaluation of the cleaning products we use, the American Cleaning Institute wants to help children of all ages...
What exactly are antibacterial disinfectants, anyway?
In a nutshell, antibacterial disinfectants help kill germs on the surfaces in our homes. They’re pretty easy to recognize because their labels say they disinfect, kill bacteria or sanitize. Their active ingredients and formulations go beyond simple cleaning. They kill or control the growth of microorganisms, including food borne bacteria...
Cleaning Product Ingredient Info: Solvents
One of the many ingredients in cleaning products are solvents. Solvents are ingenious, actually. These amazing chemicals help give cleaning products the right thickness and help other ingredients stay mixed. They can also help prevent liquid products from freezing in cold climates. Want to learn more about solvents and the...
Fun and Games with Surfactants!
In cleaning, surfactants – short for surface active agents – are a group of chemicals that change how water behaves, so that we can clean more effectively and efficiently. Surfactants reduce water’s surface tension, meaning that droplets won’t simply bead up on countertops, clothes, and dishes, but will spread out...
Stop and Smell Your Foyers
Answer: They are the ingredients in cleaning products that make our homes smell fresh and pretty. Question: What are fragrances? While some products have no scent at all, others include a mix of flowers, fruit, trees or essential oils (among others). ACI’s kid-friendly narrated website – www.explorationclean.org – was created...
What’s that ingredient?
According to ACI’s most recent National Cleaning Survey, half of us have researched a cleaning product ingredient at one time or another. If you ever wanted to know more about ingredients beyond what’s on the label, there is an app for that (and website), called SmartLabel. SmartLabel, an initiative by...
Which Scents Bring You Joy?
As the seasons change, do you change the fragrances in your home? The use and enjoyment of fragrances has endured throughout the centuries, from the rituals of ancient cultures to the products designed to enhance our homes and meet the needs of today’s busy lifestyles. In fact, as we celebrate...