ACI To Consumers: Clean More Sustainably Over the Holidays

With the holiday season’s increased cleaning needs, the American Cleaning Institute says it’s the perfect time for consumers to implement sustainable laundry and dishwashing habits.

The ACI is providing the following tips to help households clean more sustainably during the holiday season:

Wash in Cold Water

Using cold water for laundry helps to preserve fabrics and prevent common holiday stains from setting (like wine, berries and tree sap). It also significantly reduces energy consumption, which saves money. Plus, if consumers wash in cold water, there’s less need to sort clothes. Despite the time, environmental and economic benefits, the institute says a mere 46% of US households wash their laundry in cold water most of the time.

Skip the Pre-Rinse

Seventy-four percent of Americans report rinsing their dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. However, modern dish detergents, like dishwasher pods, are designed to work with today’s dishwashers to handle food residue, making pre-rinsing unnecessary and wasteful. The ACI recommends scraping off food scraps before loading the dishwasher to save water and time.

Handle Decorations with Care

Properly storing holiday decorations can extend their lifespan, reducing the need to purchase new items each year, the ACI says. By packing decorations carefully, consumers can contribute to less waste and more sustainable celebrations in the future.

“With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to embrace sustainable practices in your cleaning routines,” said Nathan Sell, ACI’s senior director of sustainability. “Not only can you create a cleaner and healthier home for your festivities, but you can do it in a way that contributes to a more sustainable future.”