• More than Half of Americans Reporting an Increase in Cleaning Behaviors are Parents
• Findings Support Continued “Cleaning is Caring” Trend to Protect Loved Ones Through Proper Cleaning and Hygiene Practices
• Read the Survey Results

New data from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) finds a majority of parents report they will clean more through this year’s cold and flu season based on what they’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, 16-percentage points higher than non-parents.

In what many health experts are referring to as an anticipated “bounce back” flu season, findings from an online survey conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of ACI, found that while 40

In a worst-case scenario, experts estimate a potential 300,000 to 400,000 extra hospitalizations from the flu this year (medRxiv), potentially due to an underexposed population last year combined with less COVID-19 restrictions this year. Children, who are back to in-person schooling amid the ongoing pandemic, may have less immunity to colds and flu compared to those with a lifetime of exposure and could be especially vulnerable. This is why it is critical for parents to prepare for cold and flu season through proper cleaning and hygiene practices.  

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer perception of cleaning has shifted from just a chore to a critical factor for protecting themselves and others from illness. New ACI data suggests the shift in cleaning perceptions and behavior is continuing, with 86

“As many continue their ‘return to normal’ with in-person activities and increased travel in the midst of a potentially troublesome cold and flu season, now is a critical time to understand and implement the proven practices that help prevent the spread of easily transmittable germs and illness,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President, Communications and Outreach. “Today, cleaning and washing your hands with soap and water are critical steps to protect our health and the ones we love.”

Some key cleaning and hygiene steps to take this cold and flu season include:

1. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to help prevent the spread of germs.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
   1. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
   2. Cough or sneeze into your elbow if you don’t have a tissue.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
   1. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer as an alternative. Be sure to use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60
4. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (door handles, light switches, countertops).
5. Avoid contact with sick people.
6. If you get sick, stay home from work or school except to seek medical care and limit contact with others.

ACI provides cleaning and hygiene resources for consumers in all professions and walks of life, from the K-12 school community and child care facilities to college students and small business owners.