Laundry Room Safety: When Washing Clothes, Close Your Detergent After Use

ACI Survey: 12% Only Sometimes, Rarely or Never Seal Containers Immediately After Use

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When millions of Americans do the laundry every week, one in ten forgets to take an important safety step – closing that container of detergent after use.

As 2012 commemorates the 50th anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week (March 18-22), the American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) reminds consumers about safe laundry practices.

According to a recent survey conducted for ACI, 12 percent of Americans sometimes, rarely or never seal detergent containers after each use.

"After adding the detergent to your machine, always remember to close the detergent container," said Nancy Bock, ACI Senior Vice President of Education. "Now is the perfect time to evaluate your laundry routine and incorporate just a few practices to create a safer living environment for yourself and your family,"

ACI is dedicated to creating better living through the safe and effective use of cleaning products and offers several safe laundry tips for consumers. 

ACI's Safe Laundry List

• Always close the laundry detergent container, box, bottle or flexible pouch immediately after each use.
• Keep laundry products out of the reach of children and pets.
• Remember to keep products in their original container and immediately put them in a secure place after use.
• Read and follow all recommended instructions on the laundry product label prior to use. Knowing what to do if an accident occurs is important.  Make it a point to keep the Poison Control Center phone number handy (1-800-222-1222).
• Clean up any spills, and immediately wash your hands and any items used to dispense or measure products.
• Questions about laundry products?  Call the manufacturer using the toll free number on the product label, or visit their website for more information.

Additional ACI laundry tips and resources are available at www.cleaninginstitute.org. Under the "Clean Living" tab, click on "Laundry."  You can also visit ACI's Poison Prevention information page at http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/prevent_poisoning/.

The 2012 Cleaning Survey was completed for the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) by Echo Research, Inc.  A total of 1,000 respondents participated in an independent consumer research study. The survey was fielded online between February 29 and March 4, 2012, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.  A summary of the survey results is available on ACI's website at www.cleaninginstitute.org/surveys.

The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI - formerly The Soap and Detergent Association) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market.  ACI  members include the 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 oleochemical producers.  ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org) and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.

SOURCE American Cleaning Institute