Cleaning Secrets Revealed: 40% of Americans Embarrassed to Admit Last Time They Cleaned Their Toilet

News > Health News

Audio By Carbonatix

7:37 AM on Tuesday, March 3

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 3, 2026--

Spring cleaning remains a defining American ritual, with a new survey from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) showing that 80% of Americans plan to spring clean this year . The nationwide survey underscores the enduring appeal of a seasonal reset – while also revealing that routine cleaning habits often lag behind annual intentions.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303140702/en/

The American Cleaning Institute's (ACI) annual spring cleaning survey found that 56% of respondents would be embarrassed to share the last time they cleaned their refrigerator, while 40% say the same about their toilet, highlighting a disconnect between once a year deep cleans and consistent, year-round cleaning practices.

Despite strong enthusiasm for spring cleaning, many Americans admit they struggle to keep up with everyday maintenance in high-touch areas. The survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, found that 56% of respondents would be embarrassed to share the last time they cleaned their refrigerator, while 40% say the same about their toilet, highlighting a disconnect between once a year deep cleans and consistent, year-round cleaning practices.

“Spring cleaning is a great moment to refresh not only our homes, but our habits,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President of Communications and Outreach. “Our survey identified that Americans can struggle to the point of embarrassment when it comes to maintaining consistent cleaning practices, which we know are critical for healthy homes and community spaces.”

The good news is Americans understand the impact of a clean space. A desire to declutter and organize was the leading motivation for 57% of respondents, followed closely by a new season/fresh start mindset (47%), and a desire to stay healthy and hygienic (46%).

In fact, a decluttered home doesn’t just promote physical wellness, but mental health, as well. The survey found that 72% of respondents shared they feel more relaxed with a clean and organized home than they do after getting a massage.

Combining a deep clean in the spring and regular cleaning routines will set you up for success throughout the year. The American Cleaning Institute offers a variety resources with advice and guidance to accomplish your cleaning goals.

For more cleaning advice and guidance, visit www.cleaninginstitute.org and follow us on TikTok (@cleaninginstitute) or Instagram (@americancleaninginstitute) for all your cleaning needs.

About the Survey

The American Cleaning Institute Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research ( www.wakefieldresearch.com ) among 1,000 nationally representative US adults ages 18+, between February 4th and February 12th, 2026, using an email invitation and an online survey. Data has been weighted to ensure an accurate representation of US adults ages 18+.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

American Cleaning Institute

The American Cleaning Institute ® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org ) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303140702/en/

Jessica Ek, 202-662-2509 /[email protected]

KEYWORD: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FAMILY HEALTH CONSUMER RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY GENERAL HEALTH

SOURCE: American Cleaning Institute

PUB: 03/03/2026 10:37 AM/DISC: 03/03/2026 10:37 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303140702/en