College Seniors Have More to Learn About Cleaning

Nearly 7 out of 10 college seniors (68%) said they felt no more prepared to clean as seniors as they did when they were freshmen, according to a new survey from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI).

The ACI survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, looked at college seniors’ cleaning habits and perceptions. Despite the lack of cleaning comprehension, students’ motivation to clean included creating peaceful surroundings (49%) and focusing on their schoolwork (45%). While nearly half of students are cleaning for themselves, nearly 8 in 10 (77%) are motivated by peer pressure including roommates, friends, and making a good first impression for a date.

“Even for students entering their last year of college, many do not feel adequately prepared when it comes to cleaning and laundry basics,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI senior vice president of communications.

While students feel pressure to keep their room tidy, the survey also showed that collegians often overlook how cleaning plays a critical role in creating a healthy living space—with only 38% citing avoiding illnesses as their cleaning motivation.

This may be concerning because college campuses are hotspots for germs that can lead to illness. In fact, more than a third (34%) of students will have at least one respiratory illness, such as a cold or the flu, each year. As a result, the CDC  recommends regular cleaning as a crucial measure for preventing the spread of these germs.