Nearly 7 out of 10 college seniors (68%) admitted feeling no more prepared to handle cleaning tasks now than they did as freshmen, a recent survey by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) revealed. These findings underscore the ongoing need for seniors to master the basics of cleaning before transitioning to post-grad life. To address this gap, ACI is launching the Class of Clean: Senior Year initiative, offering new resources and information designed to equip college seniors for life on and off campus, as well as beyond graduation.
Conducted by Wakefield Research, the ACI survey delved into the cleaning habits and perceptions of college seniors. Despite the lack of cleaning confidence, students are motivated to clean by factors such as creating a peaceful environment (49%) and focusing on academic success (45%). Additionally, nearly 8 in 10 students (77%) feel pressure from peers, including roommates and friends, to maintain a tidy space and make a positive impression.
To support students in navigating these motivations, ACI’s Class of Clean initiative includes a comprehensive toolkit: “A College Student’s Guide to Cleaning,” which covers essential cleaning fundamentals. Recognizing the importance of cleaning as students prepare to enter new phases of life, ACI is expanding these resources under the Class of Clean: Senior Year banner.
“Even as students approach graduation, many still lack confidence in basic cleaning and laundry skills,” noted Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President of Communications. “There’s still time to learn. ACI’s Class of Clean provides straightforward tips and tricks to ensure students are well-prepared and capable of handling any cleaning challenge.”
Despite the emphasis on personal cleanliness, students often overlook the critical role cleaning plays in maintaining a healthy living environment, with only 38% citing illness prevention as a cleaning motivator. This oversight is concerning, especially given that college campuses are breeding grounds for germs that contribute to respiratory illnesses like colds and flu, affecting more than a third (34%) of students annually. The CDC underscores the importance of regular cleaning to curb the spread of these illnesses.
As part of its broader Cleaning is Caring initiative, ACI remains dedicated to highlighting the link between cleaning practices and health and safety. Their resources aim not only to impress others but also to promote overall well-being, including practical tools like:
- Moving Checklist
- Foundations In Cleaning
- Cleaning With a Sick Roommate
Through these efforts, ACI seeks to empower college seniors with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain clean and healthy living environments, both now and in the future.
