The American Cleaning Institute has launched Healthy Returns, a new free online toolkit that assists businesses in the process of reopening by offering hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting advice, as well as guidance, checklists, posters, handouts and decals. "As businesses and offices gradually reopen in stages during the global pandemic, we want to provide them with the tools they need to help guide their daily cleaning and hygiene routines. We know it's important to show their employees and their customers that they are committed to proper cleaning, hygiene and health," ACI President and CEO Melissa Hockstad said. Download the Healthy Returns toolkit from ACI's website.

Surveys conducted by the American Cleaning Institute show that 28% of Americans spend an average of seven hours per week cleaning their homes, but most of their attention goes to light cleaning tasks such as bathroom and floor cleaning while more tedious chores are overlooked. In the 2019 ACI National Cleaning Survey, 20% of respondents had never cleaned their washing machine, 41% couldn't recall the last time they had washed their refrigerator and 2% reported never having cleaned their bed linens.

Retailers are hoping to lure customers back by implementing safety measures such as cleaning more often and installing hand sanitizer dispensers, but many stores are still keeping fitting rooms open and not requiring face masks, which could discourage shoppers from returning.

Uber is purchasing 270,000 packs of Clorox disinfecting wipes, aiming to calm passenger coronavirus fears, according to an Uber statement. The packs will be available for driver and passenger use in New York City.

Procter & Gamble has developed the CleanPLUS Experience for hotels and restaurants, which includes digital and print promotions for businesses cleaned with P&G brands. A P&G survey found 70% of hotel guests and 58% of diners would opt for an establishment cleaned with products "they personally knew and trusted."

The Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to propose a new rule that will update its process for reviewing substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act, potentially accelerating the review process and giving the agency access to higher quality data. The EPA also expects to propose a rule in August that would label two types of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous, said the EPA in the White House's spring Unified Agenda.

Reckitt Benckiser's Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist are the first disinfectants proven to destroy the coronavirus on surfaces during testing by the Environmental Protection Agency. More Lysol brands are undergoing testing to gauge their efficacy against the virus, said Ferran Rousaud, marketing director for Lysol, in a statement.

SC Johnson has launched a bottle for its Mr Muscle window and glass cleaner in the UK and Ireland comprising entirely plastic waste that was likely to otherwise end up in the ocean. "Together with Plastic Bank, we're working to help protect the health of our ocean ecosystems and at the same time improve the lives of individuals around the world," said SC Johnson Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson.

A video produced by the American Cleaning Institute profiles how its member companies throughout the cleaning product supply chain contributed in numerous ways to help battle against the spread of COVID-19. "Week after week, we continue to see examples of the amazing contributions of ACI member companies, be it through round-the-clock production of essential products and chemistries or donations to organizations and communities in need of supplies and resources," said ACI CEO Melissa Hockstad. "We are proud to share this new video showcasing their extraordinary actions." ACI news release

After being cooped up for months, it seems unfair to also go without a summer vacation. However, many of the risks of COVID-19 can be amplified while traveling. By choosing your destination wisely and taking some precautions, you don't have to only stay safe and clean at home; you can also be safe and clean on the road! Check out some quick tips from ACI's Clean & Happy Nest blog.