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. (more) Page 2/Mold and Bacteria on Kitchen Surfaces “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. (more) Page 2/Mold and Bacteria on Kitchen Surfaces 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.
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.