Windows, Blinds, Curtains & Carpets: Top Targets for Spring Cleaners

-- ACI Survey: 62% Make Spring Cleaning an Annual Ritual

-- Top Spring Cleaning Priorities: Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom

-- Survey Summary Available at www.cleaninginstitute.org/surveys

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Spring cleaning is still a tradition for many Americans – 62 percent of those surveyed say spring cleaning is an annual ritual in their home.

According to new research from the American Cleaning Institute^® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org), 73 percent of those who spring clean strongly or somewhat agree that it's a tradition worth keeping. And 13 percent of this group (18% of men, 8% of women) strongly or somewhat agree that if it wasn't for spring cleaning, they would probably never clean their home!

"Whether it's spring, summer, winter or fall, cleaning matters," said Nancy Bock, ACI Senior Vice President of Education.  "When it comes to tackling major house cleaning, there are still many Americans who cling to spring."

Among those who say they spring clean every year:

• 89 percent of this group says they will spring clean this year.
• 72 percent say warmer weather gives them the urge to clean.
• 55 percent strongly or somewhat agree that hearing about spring cleaning reminds them to clean.

Windows, Blinds and Curtains – Oh My!

And what do spring cleaners pay special attention to?

Windows (72%), blinds/curtains (67%), ceiling fans and carpets (both 65%) top the special spring cleaning "to do" list, followed by cleaning clothing closets and drawers (63%) and desks/home office spaces (51%).

When it comes to prioritizing what rooms to spruce up, spring cleaners target the kitchen (74%), bedroom (73%), bathrooms (71%), and family room/den (56%).

Strategies for Cleaning Success
ACI offers some strategies to take care of your spring cleaning tasks efficiently:

Strategy #1: Clear It Out
Start by getting rid of the things that are needlessly filling up your home. Recycle it, store it, sell it or donate it.

Strategy #2: Inventory Your Supplies
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand.

Strategy #3: Make a Plan
Decide whether you'll go room by room or task by task (cleaning then vacuuming, for example) and then prioritize your tasks.

Strategy #4: Recruit Help
It's not necessary to do everything yourself. Enlist family members, pair up with a friend, or call in a professional.

To check out more details of ACI's Strategies for Cleaning Success, checkout ACI's Cleaning Matters newsletter: www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/cm_marapr2011_step_up_to_spring_cleaning.aspx

Safety Matters
Most importantly, says ACI's Nancy Bock, make sure you use and store cleaning products safely and correctly.

• Keep all cleaning products out of the reach of children and pets.
• Read and follow all instructions on all products prior to use.
• Keep products in their original, labeled containers. Do not use emptied detergent containers for storage of any other materials, particularly those intended for human consumption.
• Thoroughly wash any utensils used in dispensing or measuring of products. Wash hands thoroughly after product usage.

For additional safety tips and information, visit www.cleaninginstitute.org.

The 2012 Spring 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. Among those who indicated they engage in spring cleaning every year (62% of the initial group), several questions were asked of 798 adults (348 men and 450 women). These results also have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent. A summary of the survey results will be 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