Content about American Cleaning Institute

March 19, 2013

Single-Load Liquid Laundry Packets Deserve Special Attention

WASHINGTON — March 17-23 is National Poison Prevention Week

WASHINGTON — As single-load liquid laundry packets become more familiar to U.S. consumers, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) reminds the public about safe use of these products. The concentrated detergent in these packets can be harmful if swallowed or exposed to eyes.

“Laundry packets are different and need to be handled differently,” says Nancy Bock, ACI senior vice president of education. “While these products are convenient and easy for consumers to use, it’s vital for parents and caregivers to use and store these products safety and securely.”

She offers these safety reminders regarding single-load liquid laundry packets:

Do not puncture or pull packets apart
Store out of child’s sight and reach; do not let a child handle laundry packets
Keep the container closed and dry
Packets dissolve quickly upon contact with water, wet hands, or saliva
Packets can rupture, releasing contents into eyes

These safety reminders coincide with National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23). Coin laundry owners and operators can assist by reminding patrons about the safe use and storage of these products.

“It is possible to prevent accidents involving these products and prevent a trip to the doctor’s office or emergency room,” says Bock, who serves as vice chair of the National Poison Prevention Week Council.

It’s recommended to keep the toll-free number handy for the local Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222.

January 9, 2013

Holiday Stain-Removal Tips

WASHINGTON — The longer stains sit on a fabric, the more difficult they may be to remove: American Cleaning Institute

WASHINGTON — With your coin laundry customers no doubt bringing in clothes containing holiday stains, Nancy Bock, senior vice president of education for the American Cleaning Institute, offers these stain-removal tips that you may want to post in your store:

Turkey, Gravy, Butter, and Salad Dressing (oil-based stains)

Pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric.

Cranberry Sauce, Apple Cider, and Pumpkin Pie (fruit-based stains)

Treat these stains promptly. Remove excess fruit and run the fabric under cold water. Wash the item as soon as possible using the warmest water and bleach that are safe for the fabric.

Coffee, Tea, Wine, and Soft Drinks (beverage stains)

Soak or sponge stain in cool water. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Launder using oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach, if safe for fabric.

Colorful Cakes and Desserts (food-coloring stains)

Sponge stain promptly with cool water. If this doesn’t remove stain, soak stain in cool water for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, pretreat with a prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent, then launder.

Wax Stains

Use a dull knife to scrape off surface wax. Place stain between paper towels and press with a warm iron, transferring the wax to the towels. Continue, using clean towels, until the wax no longer transfers. Then, place stain facedown on another clean paper towel and sponge with a prewash stain remover; blot with paper towels. Let dry, then launder.

Soot Stains

Shake out garment. Don’t rub, as this may make the stain worse. Launder washable garments using laundry detergent and the hottest water suitable for the garments. Continue laundering garments until soot and/or smoke odor are removed. Garment may have to be laundered as many as five times.

July 5, 2012

ACI Reiterates Importance of Keeping Unit-Dose Products Away From Children

WASHINGTON – Keeping single-unit-dose laundry detergents out of the reach of children

WASHINGTON – Detergent manufacturers are re-emphasizing the importance of keeping single-unit-dose laundry detergents out of the reach of children in the wake of recent reports about children accidentally ingesting these products.

And coin laundry owners can assist by reminding their patrons about the safe use and storage of these products.

In addition to making educational materials on safe and proper laundry use widely available, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) says manufacturers are closely examining incident reports and other details associated with reports of accidental ingestions.

"Awareness is the key to prevention of injury when using laundry products," says Ernie Rosenberg, ACI president/CEO. "Consumers should store these products out of reach and out of sight of children."

ACI offers some tips on its website that coin laundry owners should consider printing and posting. And it's always a good idea to have the phone number of the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) posted in your store should there be an emergency.

To learn more about the proper, safe use of the new single-dose detergents, visit www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/laundry.aspx.