ACI Survey: 3/4 of Americans Are Changing Their Cleaning Habits to Improve Their Health

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nearly all Americans (97%) think cleaning and hygiene are important for public health and the health of our communities and 74% have changed their cleaning habits to improve health, according to survey data released by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI).

ACI Survey: 97% of Americans Think Cleaning, Hygiene Are Important for Public Health

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Respondents to the survey – conducted by Wakefield Research for ACI - agreed that cleaning has a positive impact on both their physical health (91%) and their mental health (84%).

During National Cleaning Week (March 23 – 29, 2025), ACI is shedding light on this vital connection between cleaning and health.

“Cleaning is no longer just about appearance; it's about safeguarding our health,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President of Communications and Outreach. “Our survey shows that Americans understand the critical role cleaning plays in preventing illness and promoting well-being. As we celebrate National Cleaning Week, we are committed to help building healthier communities through cleaning best practices.”

Which cleaning and hygiene practices do Americans prioritize to stay healthy? The survey results indicate the top tasks were:

• 61% washing hands
• 56% cleaning toilet and shower
• 51% disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• 47% doing laundry

Interestingly, dusting (22%) ranked toward the bottom of the list despite the important role it plays in reducing asthma and allergy triggers.

ACI is sharing valuable guidance on how individuals can clean in a way that prioritizes health.

• Room by room cleaning strategies to control home allergy and asthma triggers.
• The levels of laundry and precautions families can take to stay healthy, depending on need.
• Information and an FAQ on using disinfecting products safely and effectively to kill germs and sanitize surfaces.

ACI is declaring 2025 as the year of “Cleaning for Health” and will be sharing relevant information and resources during National Cleaning Week and beyond. This initiative is part of ACI’s Cleaning is Caring campaign and aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to use cleaning products safely and effectively, creating healthier living environments for themselves and their families.

For more information on National Cleaning Week, ACI's initiatives, and the full survey results, visit www.cleaninginstitute.org.

About the Survey

The ACI Spring Cleaning Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between February 10th and February 18th, 2025, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data has been weighted to ensure an accurate representation of nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

American Cleaning Institute

The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.