How clean is your kitchen? Surprising secrets lurk inside America's cupboards Avon, OH, August 27, 2002 - When was the last time you cleaned out the inside of your kitchen cabinets or underneath the kitchen sink? These hidden areas are one of the least cleaned areas in the home, and shelves that commonly house eating utensils, foods, and cleaning supplies can quickly become a prime breeding ground for molds and bacteria. Cleaning these areas regularly and effectively can help substantially reduce these germs, and ensure your kitchen stays sanitary and you and your family stay healthy. A recent study by North American Science Associates, Inc. (NAMSA), a non-clinical medical device testing firm, evaluated shelf liner samples from kitchen cabinets, under the sink and in drawers. The results confirmed that the majority of the tested areas contain allergenic fungi and bacteria. In addition, in susceptible individuals or individuals with weakened immune systems, certain strains of these organisms could potentially lead to infection and/or allergic reactions. "We tested several different kitchen surface areas and after incubating the samples, we found a variety of molds and bacteria were present. It was obvious that these surfaces had not been cleaned in quite some time, if ever," said James Kautz, laboratory manager for NAMSA. Cleaning shelves, drawers, and other hidden areas is a time consuming and arduous task that many homeowners limit to once a year, and the majority put off even longer. But these areas are an ideal environment for the growth of mold and bacteria because they are exposed to moisture from washed dishes and contain all-types of food items as well as cleaning agents. Even more alerting is the possibility of cross-contamination. Once the organisms have developed, the bacteria and mold can travel onto dishes, silverware, which means they could end up inside your mouth, creating a health risk. "Another place that cross-contamination can occur is on counters and cutting boards when handling foods such as raw meat and eggs, which are linked to such dangerous bacteria as salmonella. It is important to clean any area you handle food in before and afterward," said Kautz. The medical industry agrees that regular and thorough washing is the most effective way to eliminate bacteria. Using a non-adhesive shelf liner, like Duck brand Easy Liner, to form a protective barrier between shelves and flatware is another way to help keep your kitchen cleaner. Replacing the liner and washing it, helps to prevent organisms from building up on shelves over time. The non-adhesive Duck brand shelf liner is machine-washable, which makes it easier and more convenient to clean these areas and rid the kitchen of germs. Non-adhesive liner can be removed and replaced quickly, which means you can be sure to clean the entire surface (even corners), and you won't have to worry about residual moisture from shelf cleaning contributing to future colonies of organisms after every cleaning. In addition, non-adhesive liners can be washed using detergent with or without bleach in warm water to ensure the most effective elimination of bacteria. This easy-to-use, easy-to-clean product is a great tool to help make hidden kitchen areas easier to clean. It makes cleaning shelves and drawers easier, and being machine washable is an added bonus ensuring a thorough clean every time. Visit www.germ-busters.com for additional information about keeping your home healthy and shelf liner product information. Duck brand non-adhesive shelf liners are available in 12" and 20" widths, and can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowe's and other mass merchandisers for $5.99 to $12.97. "What's Lurking in your Kitchen" Video RealPlayer (618 kb) | Windows Media: (7.63 mb)

Tips to Reduce the Spread of Mold and Bacteria Immediately wash anything that comes in contact with raw foods…sponges, dishcloths, utensils, cutting boards, kitchen surfaces, etc. Use plastic cutting boards instead of wood. Wash dishtowels regularly and replace with clean ones. Use a non-adhesive, machine-washable shelf liner in hidden areas such as shelves and drawers to make cleaning easier. Replace sponges on a regular basis. Prevent mold growth by putting dishes and appliances away completely dry. Use multi-purpose, anti-bacterial cleaners to clean up after working in the kitchen. Seal leftovers and open food containers securely to keep them fresh and avoid spillage. Wash your hands before and after every meal.

Duck brand Easy Liner Provides a Covering for All Occasions AVON, Ohio - Whether you are trying to hold dishes in place, or slide them onto shelves, the Duck® brand has a shelf liner for every purpose. Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc., industry innovator and creator of Duck brand Easy Liner®, a multi-purpose shelf liner, is leading the decorative coverings industry by expanding the shelf liner category to meet the increasing needs of consumers. The Duck brand's category innovation has come a long way from Original Easy Liner® to the company's latest product launch, new Duck® brand Solid Easy Liner®. The extensive line of Duck brand liners provides a wide array of products with specialized features and benefits to help consumers find an affordable covering for any application. Solid Easy Liner Non-adhesive; easy to replace and reposition§ Slip-resistant; prevents breakables from shifting Solid surface doesn't allow crumbs to fall through onto shelves Soft, cushioned surface protects breakables Machine-washable so it can last for years Available in 12" and 20" widths in Capri Blue, White and Taupe Sold nationwide for $4.99 at Wal-mart and Lowe's Great for protecting countertops underneath jars or canisters Original Easy Liner Non-adhesive, multi-purpose Things stay put with slip-resistant material Easy to cut, install and reposition Contains no latex, machine-washable Available in 12" and 20" in a wide array of colors; Blue, White, Taupe and more Sold nationwide for $3.97-$5.00 at Lowe's Great for desktops, closet shelves and under doormats Supreme Easy Liner® Non-adhesive, multi-purpose Things stay put Easy to cut, install and reposition Contains no latex; machine washable Thicker than the original Easy Liner, it provides added protection and softness. Available in rich, dark colors such as Hunter Green, True Blue, and Berry Sold at Wal-Mart and Menard's for $3.97-5.00 Great for china cabinets or other places where extra cushion is needed Smooth Top® Easy Liner® Smooth Top offers the best of both worlds; a non-adhesive, slip-resistant material on the bottom with a smooth, decorative vinyl top Multi-purpose Easy to cut, install and reposition Machine-washable Smooth surface wipes clean easily Available in a variety of solid colors and patterns Sold nationwide for $4.77-6.00 at Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Menard's and Home Depot Great for high cabinets and places where items need to slide back onto shelves Super Grip® Easy Liner® Non-adhesive, multi-purpose Super slip-resistant surface Easy to cut and trim for hundreds of applications Raised surface for easy drying Won't absorb water Use indoors and outdoors 12" width to line cabinets and utensil drawers Attractive white translucent look Sold nationwide for $4.77-6.00 at Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Menard's and Great for car interiors and drawers because it holds items in place Select Easy Liner® Non-adhesive backing makes it easy to reposition and replace without damaging cabinets and drawers Holds utensils, dishes, etc. in place on shelves Classic-looking pattern is thicker than most other liners Available in 12" and 20" widths in Capri Blue, Bone, Hunter, and Taupe Sold nationwide for $3.77 at Wal-Mart Groovy Easy Liner® Slip-resistant back keeps liner in place Smooth ribbed top allows easy slide onto shelves Protects cabinets and shelves Use indoors and outdoors Raised ribs allow air circulation for dish drying Liner matches most décor with clear base and white ribs Available in 12" rolls nationwide at Wal-Mart stores Sold nationwide for $6.88 at Wal-Mart Great for wire shelving "The Duck brand continues to expand the shelf liner category with innovative technology. Manco is the only consumer products company expanding and innovating liner technology," explains Bill Sobonya, Manco's category manager for Easy Liner brand shelf liners. "By listening to consumer demand, we have developed a diverse and functional product that offers a variety of solutions to common households."