WASHINGTON, D.C. -- While on vacation, most people have either gotten sick, stained a piece of clothing or stayed in a place that was "disgustingly filthy." According to the Soap and Detergent Association's (SDA) Summer Vacation National Cleaning Survey:
* 1 in 4 (23 percent) people has encountered a "nightmare" vacation destination
that they described as "disgustingly filthy."
* 1 in 4 (27 percent) people has gotten sick while on vacation.
* 1 in 2 (51 percent) has suffered stains on their clothing on vacation.
* 4 out of 10 (43 percent) have felt the need to clean eating areas when they
first arrived at a destination.
"This research brings all new meaning to the term 'vacation spots,'" said
Brian Sansoni, SDA vice president of communications. "By taking a few minutes
to pack the basic 'on-the-go' cleaning supplies, consumers can have the peace-
of-mind that comes with being prepared for life's little spills and messes."
According to SDA's research, favorite vacations include the beach (27 percent), sightseeing (18 percent), camping (17 percent), visiting relatives (15 percent) and theme
parks (9 percent). People are most likely to stay in a hotel or motel (59 percent), with a
relative (30 percent) or at a campsite (17 percent). But what type of cleaning product do we bring along for the ride? What Americans bring (respondents could choose more than one item):
* Bar or liquid hand soap 56 percent
* Hand or personal wipes 44 percent
* Hand sanitizer 41 percent
* Cleaning/disinfectant wipes 31 percent
* Disinfectant spray 21 percent
* Air sanitizer 14 percent
* Stain wipes 14 percent
SDA provides recommendations for what cleaning, hygiene and disinfecting products you can pack for your summer vacation destinations.
When hitting the beach, bring ...
* Hand wipes to make removal of sand and suntan lotion a breeze.
* Stain removal wipes to stem the tide of summer stains, such as ketchup
and ice cream from clothing.
* Gentle laundry detergent for washing the salt and sand from delicate
bathing suits or beach towels.
When sightseeing, bring ...
* Hand sanitizer for easy on-the-go hygiene while browsing shops and
museums.
* Disinfectant wipes for surfaces in your hotel or motel room, including
commonly touched places such as door knobs, telephones and remote
controls.
* Disinfectant spray and air sanitizer to help rid hotel rooms of germs
and odors left behind.
When camping, bring ...
* Bar or liquid hand soap because it may be in short supply in the
woods.
* Dishwashing wipes to easily clean utensils, dishes and pots.
* Fabric softener sheets to keep with laundry to make it smell better
until you get home!
When staying at a rental property, bring ...
* Single use, pre-measured tablets or gels for automatic dishwashing,
which are easy to pack and easy to use.
* Window and dusting wipes for quick surface cleanups.
SDA says P.A.C.K. for your next vacation:
Portability is key! Luckily, cleaning wipes and many other cleaning
products come in convenient packaging, which you can toss in your travel
bag and go.
Anticipate your needs. Chances are, you will wish you had a cleaning
product at some point during your vacation.
Clean your surfaces. Whether it's a hotel countertop or an eating
surface at a campsite, wipe down all surfaces to be safe.
Keep hands clean. The best way to prevent illness and the spread of
germs is by washing your hands routinely, particularly before eating and
after using the restroom.
Source: Soap and Detergent Association
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