A year after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, cleaning practices are still front-and-center for a strong majority of Americans, according to survey data released by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI).
A national online consumer survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of ACI show that 85 percent of respondents are very or somewhat likely to maintain the same level of cleaning practices initially adopted in March 2020, even when the pandemic has passed.
“ACI, as the leading trade association for the cleaning product supply chain, is well-positioned to tackle the challenges the marketplace faces thanks to high-level executive experience and leadership throughout our Board of Directors,” said Melissa Hockstad, ACI President & CEO.
Proper cleaning and disinfecting practices are proven to help protect against the spread of germs and viruses, according to ACI. In today’s current climate, as schools and communities across the country begin to reopen and new variants of the virus continue to spread, the cleaning and hygiene habits adopted at the onset of the pandemic will continue to play a crucial role in helping prevent the spread of illness.
Results from ACI’s national survey shed light on how and why Americans plan to continue their cleaning and disinfecting behaviors. Key findings include:
Cleaning Products Usage Continues: Of the adopted cleaning, disinfecting and hygiene habits, Americans report an increase in use of the following products since the pandemic began in March 2020: hand sanitizer (72% vs. 59%), disinfectant wipes (55% vs. 44%) and spray disinfectant (42% vs. 36%).
Heightened Hand Hygiene: More than 75% of respondents plan to continue to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and 57% report plans to continue using hand sanitizer frequently in the future.
The Reason to Clean: 73% of Americans cite protecting their own health and wellness, and 62% cite protecting that of others, as reasons to continue their COVID-19 cleaning habits.
“The survey results and trends highlighted are encouraging for broader adoption and potential long-term behavioral changes in Americans’ cleaning habits for their health,” said Melissa Hockstad, ACI President & CEO. “While we continue to fight against the spread of COVID-19, Americans must stay vigilant to help protect themselves and the places where they live and work. That’s why smart, targeted hygiene and cleaning practices are so important in our homes and communities every single day.”
From small businesses owners and school faculty to general consumers, ACI has a variety of resources available on effective cleaning, disinfecting and hygiene protocols.
For more information, visit www.cleaninginstitute.org/Coronavirus.
