Americans Changing How They Clean, Wash Their Clothes

By PlanetLaundry staff | Aug 18, 2010

Whether it’s the impact of the economy or increased environmental awareness, American consumers seem to be making some changes to their cleaning and laundry habits.

The latest National Cleaning Survey from The Soap and Detergent Association finds that more U.S. households are laundering in cold water and switching to multi-purpose and refillable cleaning products.

Echo Research questioned 1,008 American adults (500 men and 508 women) via telephone. Consumers were asked what changes, if any, they have made to their cleaning or laundry routines in the past year (respondents could choose more than one option):

• Wash laundry in cold water more frequently. (58%)

• Switch to multi-purpose cleaning products. (41%)

• Use refillable cleaning products. (38%)

• Bought high-efficiency or energy-efficient washer or dryer. (36%)

• Do laundry less frequently. (29%)

• Make your own cleaning products. (12%)

"Consumers are making conscious decisions about cleaning products and practices that support their beliefs," said Nancy Bock, SDA vice president of education. "They are not choosing products as they did in the past. Eco-friendly is out – and eco-easy is in."

Americans also seem to be reading their detergent label directions a lot more carefully than in the past. The 2010 SDA survey shows 62 percent of respondents say they have read the directions on a package of laundry detergent, versus 38 percent who said they never have. When SDA last asked that question in 2003, 49 percent said they had not read the detergent package directions.

"Cleaning products are changing. Reading the label takes the guesswork out of dosage," said SDA’s Bock. "With newer detergent products introduced in recent years, it’s more important than ever to read the label and use the proper amount of detergent in the washer."