Contact: Brian Sansoni, The Soap and Detergent Association,
202-662-2517 (office), 301-802-5503 (cell), bsansoni@cleaning101.com

LINK TO SURVEY SUMMARY

 WASHINGTON, D.C., May 12, 2005 – While on vacation, most people have either gotten sick, stained a piece of clothing or stayed in a place that was “disgustingly filthy.”

The Dirty Details:

 According to The Soap and Detergent Association’s (SDA) Summer Vacation National Cleaning Survey:

• 1 in 4 (23%) people has encountered a “nightmare” vacation destination that they described as “disgustingly filthy.”
• 1 in 4 (27%) people has gotten sick while on vacation.
• 1 in 2 (51%) has suffered stains on their clothing on vacation.
• 4 out of 10 (43%) 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 Communication. “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.”

Our Ideal Destinations

According to SDA’s research, our favorite vacations include the beach (27%), sightseeing (18%), camping (17%), visiting relatives (15%) and theme parks (9%). People are most likely to stay in a hotel or motel (59%), with a relative (30%) or at a campsite (17%).

But what type of cleaning product do we bring along for the ride?

What we bring (respondents could choose more than one item):

Bar or liquid hand soap 56%
Hand or personal wipes 44%
Hand sanitizer 41%
Cleaning/disinfectant wipes 31%
Disinfectant spray 21%
Air sanitizer 14%
Stain wipes 14%

SDA (www.cleaning101.com) 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:

 P ortability is key! Luckily, cleaning wipes and many other cleaning products come in convenient packaging, which you can toss in your travel bag and go.

A nticipate your needs. Chances are, you will wish you had a cleaning product at some point during your vacation.

C lean your surfaces. Whether it’s a hotel countertop or an eating surface at a campsite, wipe down all surfaces to be safe.

K eep 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.

 A more detailed survey summary is available at www.cleaning101.com/newsroom.

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The independent consumer research study was completed in April 2005 on behalf of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) by International Communications Research (ICR). The survey inquiring about consumers’ summer vacation habits included 1,009 American adults (502 men and 507 women), with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.  

The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry SM, representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients and finished packaging; and oleochemical producers. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.

The Soap and Detergent Association

Summer Vacation Survey Findings

The following questions were asked of 1,009 American adults (502 men and 507 women). The independent consumer research study was completed in April 2005, on behalf of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), by International Communications Research (ICR). The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent, unless otherwise noted.

What is your favorite summer (family) vacation?
Results:

• Beach 27% equal percentage of men and women
• Sightseeing 18% includes domestic and international
• Camping 17%
• Visit Relatives 15%
• Theme Park 9%
• Others 10% entertainment, fishing/hunting, cruise, boating, golf, NASCAR

Insight:

• In most cases, men and women agree on favorite vacations. More men, however, enjoy camping, and more women enjoy visiting relatives.
• Younger people enjoy the beach and camping, while older people enjoy sightseeing and visiting relatives.
• The top choice in the Eastern and Southern regions is the beach; North Central is sightseeing; camping in the West.

What types of cleaning supplies do you take with you on vacation? (respondents could choose more than one option)
Results:

• Bar or liquid hand soap 56%
• Hand or personal wipes 44%
• Hand sanitizer 41%
• Cleaning/disinfectant wipes 31%
• Disinfectant spray 21%
• Air sanitizer 14%
• Stain wipes 14%
• Other (shampoo, laundry, toothpaste)

Insight:

• By far, men say bar or liquid soap (61%).
• Women are higher on all other categories of the survey.

Where do you typically stay when you go on vacation?
Results:

• Hotel/motel 59%
• Family 30%
• Campsite 17%
• Friends 13%
• Rental house 4%
• Others (RV, motor home, resort)

Have you ever gotten sick on vacation?
Results:

• Yes 27%
• No 73%

Insight:

• More young people have gotten sick on vacation (18-44) than 45-64 year olds.
• More people in the West have gotten sick (34%) vs. other regions.

Have you ever spotted or stained a piece of clothing while on vacation?
Results:

• Yes 51%
• No 47%

Insight:

• Approximately equal percentages of women and men.

When first arriving at a summer vacation destination, do you ever feel a need to clean eating areas?
Results:

• Yes 43%
• No 56%

Insight:

• 50% of women vs. 37% of men say “yes.”
• 50% of women vs. 62% of men say “no.”

Have you ever encountered a “nightmare” vacation destination that was disgustingly filthy?
Results:

• Yes 23%
• No 77%