Tom Branna, Editorial Director03.11.21
If no one is coming over as the weather warms up in the Northern Hemisphere, does it make sense to clean the house? That's just one question consumers and household cleaning product manufacturers may be asking themselves following publication of the American Cleaning Institute's annual spring cleaning survey.
"Spring cleaning typically involves 'deep cleaning' rooms throughout your home. With so many people working from home during the past year, many have been 'deep cleaning' their homes more frequently. That can explain why less people feel the need to spring clean in 2021," said Brian Sansoni, SVP-communications and outreach, ACI.
The good news for industry is that 37% of Americans say that they have more cleaning knowledge now than before the pandemic.
"That's understandable," Sansoni said, "given the consistent, regular information updates directed at consumers to clean, disinfect and launder as directed."
According to the ACI survey, 69% of Americans plan on spring cleaning this year, a decrease of eight percentage points from 2019 and 2020 ACI surveys. But when asked if they were cleaning and organizing more than usual throughout the year due to COVID-19, 55% of respondents answer "yes;" 27% say their routines haven't changed.
"Spring cleaning typically involves 'deep cleaning' rooms throughout your home. With so many people working from home during the past year, many have been 'deep cleaning' their homes more frequently. That can explain why less people feel the need to spring clean in 2021," said Brian Sansoni, SVP-communications and outreach, ACI.
The good news for industry is that 37% of Americans say that they have more cleaning knowledge now than before the pandemic.
"That's understandable," Sansoni said, "given the consistent, regular information updates directed at consumers to clean, disinfect and launder as directed."
As Sansoni notes, smart, targeted hygiene—using the right products in the right way for the right task—provides a safe and effective way to spring clean the home. Among those who say they regularly or occasionally spring clean, the kitchen (26%) is the biggest priority for cleaning, followed by the bathroom (19%), closets (19%), bedrooms (18%) and the family room (13%).
Fifty-four percent of spring cleaners also say they'll clean and organize the same amount this year, while 37% indicate they'll clean more this go-round. ACI offers some simple reminders to help spring cleaning effectively and efficiently:
* Ensure you have the products you need before you get started
* Dust ceiling fans, clean windows, and ventilate your home by leaving the windows open for a few hours, if possible
* Disinfect electronics such as cell phones, earphones, tablets, laptops, etc. - with products that are safe to use on those surfaces
* Wash your pet's bedding
* Disinfect your appliance handles and trashcan
* Clean your washer and dryer
Finally, with so many people working from home, it's a good time to declutter that desk.
Finally, with so many people working from home, it's a good time to declutter that desk.