Special Cleanliness Report: When Good Vacations Go Bad

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