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Cleaning can lead to a lot of questions and we’re here to help. Here are answers to some of the questions we’ve gotten. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out our stain guide, surface cleaning guide and other home cleaning resources. In addition, get the latest tips and advice from our Cleaning Is Caring blog! If you have an idea for a question you think we should add to this list, please submit it below.

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Ask ACI: 1,4-dioxane in Detergents

What is 1,4-dioxane?

1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of manufacturing processes for some surfactants (the workhorse ingredients) contained in cleaning products and detergents.

Q. Do cleaning products contribute to indoor VOCs?

A. Yes, they can, but that does not mean there's cause for concern.

Q. If products aren’t tested on animals (Awesome!), how do companies ensure they’re safe to use?

A. Testing methods that don’t rely on animals as used for demonst

Q. Does using antibacterial products lead to superbugs?

A. No.

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.

Ask ACI: Bicycle Grease Stains

Q. Several family members just took up biking. We love the health benefits, but not the bicycle grease on our clothes. What’s the best way to remove it?

Ask ACI: Bug Spray and Sunscreen on Clothes

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?

Ask ACI: Carpet and Rug Cleaning

Q. I have a really dirty carpet that I'm looking to get clean. What carpet cleaning can I try before calling in a professional?

Q. My New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking. But how can I make my rugs, furniture and draperies stop smelling like cigarettes?

Ask ACI: Cleaning and Disinfecting Expiration Dates

The shelf life of disinfectants is approximately 1 year.

Q. How do you clean safely if you or a loved one has cancer?

A. If you are caring for a loved one with cancer, you’re dealing with a lot already.

Ask ACI: Cleaning Exercise Equipment

Q. American Heart Health Month has inspired me to use my treadmill (for exercise, not a clothes rack!) How do I clean it?

Ask ACI: Cleaning Scarves

Q. The cold weather means I get to wear my favorite scarf. I noticed that it smells a little musty. What is the best way to clean it?

Ask ACI: Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Cleaning Matters gives tips on keeping your stainless steel appliances sleek and clean.

Ask ACI: Cleaning the Refrigerator

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) offers advice for cleaning the refrigerator.

How can I freshen thrifted finds that look great but smell less than fresh or may not be sanitary?

The golden rule when laundering anything is to check the care label first.

How do I use a degreaser to clean?

First, always read and follow the label every time, including dilution, dwell time, rinsing, and personal protection instructions.

I've heard vinegar works well for cleaning. Should I ditch my cleaning products and just use vinegar?

No.

Ask ACI: Cleanliness and Public Health

How has improved cleanliness standards impacted public health?

Q. I just reorganized. How can I keep the clutter from re-accumulating?

Cleaning out your home is a time consuming but rewarding task.

Ask ACI: Coffee Cup Cleaning

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.

Ask AcI: Cutting Board Cleaning

Q: We have a wood cutting board that we use for everything. What's the best way to clean it? Would it be better to get a plastic one?

How do you clean a door mat?

Regular maintenance and the occasional deep clean can help your door mats last longer, look better and effectively trap dirt before it gets inside your home.

Ask ACI: Empty Cleaning Product Container Art

Q. Is it safe to use empty containers of laundry detergent and other cleaning products for arts and crafts projects now that it’s too cold for my kids to play outside?

Ask ACI: Enzymes in Cleaners

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.

Ask ACI: Food Coloring Stains

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.

Ask ACI: Granite Counter Top Cleaning

Q: How do I remove greasy film from my granite counter tops?

Q. Can you safely dilute hand soap?

A. No.

Ask ACI: Hardwood Floors and Steam Mops

Q: Can you use steam mops to clean sealed engineered hardwood floors?

Ask ACI: Home Cleaning After Illness

When someone in your household has been ill, effective cleaning becomes especially important to help prevent the spread of germs and restore a healthy environment.

Ask ACI: Home Organization Tips

Q: This year my resolution is to do a better job keeping my home clean and organized. Things always get so cluttered once the kids go back to school after the holidays.

Ask ACI: How do I clean grout?

For cleaning grout, you’ll want something alkaline, since most grout is primarily cement and can be dissolved by acids.

Ask ACI: How to Clean Metal Straws

Q. After seeing the effect of plastic straws on ocean life, I made a point to get a metal straw and have been keeping it in my purse. But how do I keep it clean?

Ask ACI: Kitchen Counter Disinfecting

Q: I am worried about germs on my kitchen counters. Is it true that more bleach kills more germs?

Ask ACI: Kitchen Towel and Bath Towel Mix Up

Q. Help! I've mixed my kitchen towels with my bathroom cleaning rags. What should I do?

Q. How full is too full when it comes to a load of laundry?

A. You want to aim for full loads when you do your wash, which will save energy, water and your time.

Ask ACI: Lipstick on Napkins

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) gives advice on cleaning lipstick stains from napkins.

Ask ACI: Longer Lasting Bar of Soap

Q: Will a bar of soap last longer if you let it air out or if you keep it closed up in a soap dish with a lid?

Ask ACI: Make Up Stains

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

What are some cleaning applications for melamine foam?

Melamine foam or sponge is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool that can tackle a variety of household tasks with ease.

Ask ACI: Microplastics in Laundry

Guide to reducing microplastics in laundry through fabric selection and washer settings.

How do I get rid of a mystery stain?

In the middle of sorting the laundry, a formerly unnoticed stain materializes. Or a favorite top has a mysterious spot.

Ask ACI: Odor Neutralization

How does odor neutralization work and how is it different from fragrance?

How do I remove pizza stains?

First, determine what kind of stain it is. Then treat it accordingly.

Ask ACI: Poison Ivy Clothes Washing

Q: I suspect that our new backyard has some poison ivy.

Ask ACI: Preventing Static Cling

Q. How can I prevent static cling in my clothes?

Q. From carving jack-o-lanterns to making Thanksgiving pie, the fall has many opportunities to enjoy pumpkin. And I do, but not the stains!

How do I clean a kitchen sponge?

For a traditional sponge, you should be cleaning your sponge every few days and then replacing it every 1-2 weeks. Here's how:

I can’t decide if I want to get a scented product or a fragrance-free one.

How can I keep sneakers looking and smelling clean?

Your best bet is to read and follow the care instructions inside the sneaker. It will have the most accurate information.

Ask ACI: Sneaker Cleaning in the Washing Machine or By Hand

Q: My son's sneakers always get so dirty in summer. Can I launder them in the washing machine?

Ask ACI: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used surfactant that removes oily stains and residues used in cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products that is safe when used properly.

What is the history of spring cleaning?

Spring cleaning has been around since ancient times.

Ask ACI: Tent and Camping Equipment Cleaning

Q: I unpacked my tent to get ready for the camping season, and found there was mold growing in the folds.

What’s the science behind how cleaning products remove dirt and bacteria?

Cleaning products work by leveraging chemistry and biology to break down, lift, and eliminate unwanted substances f

What do you think about CleanTok trends? Should I start following them?

Cleaning products are designed and tested to be safe when used as intended.

What are the best cleaning products to save time while still cleaning effectively?

Great question! One of the best ways to save time cleaning is actually to do it more often.

Q. Are there anything other than intentionally added ingredients in cleaning products?

A. Yes.

Q. What are the moments and places where cleaning is most important?

A. We clean for lots of reasons and health is certainly one of them, especially now.

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