ACI Study Shows Size of Cleaning Product Industry

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. cleaning products industry directly generates $88.5 billion in economic output and employs nearly 65,000 workers nationwide, according to a new economic impact study released by the American Cleaning Institute.

Cleaning product companies are the cornerstone of a supply chain connecting manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and consumer-facing businesses nationwide, with the industry’s broader supply chain impact reaching $103 billion in total economic activity and supporting 125,000 U.S. jobs.

This far-reaching impact reflects the essential nature of cleaning products to public health and thriving communities across the country.

ACI President and CEO Jennifer Abril announced the results of the study, conducted by Euromonitor International, at the Cleaning Products U.S. conference in Alexandria, Va.

“Cleaning is essential to modern life. It helps keep families healthy, hospitals and schools operating, and businesses moving across the American economy,” said Abril. “This report demonstrates the breadth and depth of our sector’s economic impact: Not only do our innovative products keep businesses open every day, but our supply chain drives economic growth and expansion in every state and every congressional district.”

The report also highlights strong results across several consumer cleaning product sub-sectors:

• Fabric Care remains the largest cleaning products category, with U.S. retail value sales reaching $18.5 billion in 2025, driven by continued demand for laundry detergents, laundry aids, fabric softeners and other products that support everyday household care.

• Surface Care generated $8.2 billion in U.S. retail value sales in 2025, reflecting consumers’ continued reliance on multi-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners and related products that help maintain healthy homes, workplaces and public spaces.

• Soaps and Sanitizers reached $11.3 billion in U.S. retail value sales in 2025, underscoring the ongoing importance of hand hygiene and personal cleansing products in protecting public health.

In addition to measuring the industry’s economic impact, the analysis identifies several trends shaping the sector’s continued growth:

• Innovation Accelerates Growth – Advances in chemistry, manufacturing technologies, and product design continue to improve product performance while supporting sustainability goals and resource efficiency.

• Demand Remains Strong Across Critical Sectors – Population growth, healthcare expansion, commercial activity, and evolving consumer expectations continue to fuel demand for cleaning products and hygiene solutions.

• Supply Chains Are More Resilient – Companies across the industry are investing in their workforces, sourcing strategies, and operational improvements to enhance supply chain resilience and efficiency.

• Businesses Adapt to a Changing Policy Environment – Manufacturers are navigating evolving regulatory and trade conditions while continuing to invest in innovation and long-term growth.

ACI commissioned the report in partnership with Euromonitor International, a global leader in data analytics and market research, to quantify the economic footprint of the U.S. cleaning products industry.
The analysis draws on comprehensive industry data and economic impact modeling using industry-standard IMPLAN input-output model. Portions of the analysis also use data from Euromonitor’s Passport Database.

The full report, as well as an interactive dashboard where viewers can explore national, state, and congressional district data, is available on ACI’s website www.cleaninginstitute.org.

The American Cleaning Institute 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.