New Study Shows Soap Washes Down the Drain, But Germs Don't

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wiping up finger paint and tackling juice spills is a routine every parent has down pat. Yet they may find themselves playing hide-and-seek with the invisible things little hands leave behind—like bacteria and viruses. Germs stick to all types of surfaces, and kids spread them to more places than you can imagine.

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To track down where germs linger, The Clorox Company and global public health organization NSF International conducted a study in homes of families with young children. Researchers analyzed 100 samples from five commonly-touched surfaces, and found bacteria or viruses on all five of the surfaces tested, from the kitchen to the common area to the bathroom, with the bathroom sink being one of the surfaces with the most germs. In fact, the study results found that four times as many households had bathroom sinks that were germier than kitchen countertops.

Think you know where germs stick? Think again!
A survey of parents also revealed that they had misconceptions about which surfaces tested were the "germiest." Key findings include:

• Soap washes down the drain, but germs don't: The bathroom sinks harbored the most germs of all surfaces tested.
• Don't forget to wash the sink: When asked which surface they felt they needed to clean most often, more than half of parents surveyed said the kitchen countertop. Yet study results showed more households actually had germier bathroom sinks than kitchen countertops. Moreover, 90 percent of parents ranked the kitchen drawer knob as the germiest surface, but results revealed it held less bacteria than all other surfaces tested.   
• Germs stick when you're sick: Influenza A was found on a surface in the home of a person who had the flu.   

Kick germs to the curb
To make sure the germs your family brings home this cold and flu season don't stick around, pediatrician and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mattel Children's Hospital, Dr. Tanya Altmann, recommends following tried-and-true tips.

"Parents can help prevent the spread of germs by taking the same prevention steps the CDC recommends every cold and flu season, like showing kids how to wash their hands properly, teaching them to cough into elbows and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces with a disinfectant approved to kill cold and flu viruses, like Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes," said Dr. Altmann.                                                                 

Clorox® Disinfecting Products kill 99.9 percent of germs that can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, including Staph, E. Coli, Salmonella and Strep.

For more information on preventing the spread of germs, including educational videos and activities to share with your family, visit Clorox.com/GermsStick.

About the Study
NSF International performed a study from August to September 2014 to evaluate the microbiological contamination on various surfaces within households in the Detroit metropolitan area. Five surface locations within the household were sampled: kitchen countertop; kitchen drawer knob; common area doorknob; bathroom sink and bathroom sink faucet handle. A total of 20 households with at least one child under six years old residing in the house were included in the study. Each surface was evaluated for the presence of E. coli, Total Coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and Influenza A.  Additionally, the household residents were asked to complete a survey regarding their expectations of the study findings.

About The Clorox Company
The Clorox Company is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with about 7,700 employees worldwide and fiscal year 2014 sales of $5.5 billion. Clorox markets some of the most trusted and recognized consumer brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol® cleaners; Liquid Plumr® clog removers; Poett® home care products; Fresh Step® cat litter; Glad® bags, wraps and containers; Kingsford® charcoal; Hidden Valley® and KC Masterpiece® dressings and sauces; Brita® water-filtration products and Burt's Bees® natural personal care products. The company also markets brands for professional services, including Clorox Healthcare®, HealthLink®, Aplicare® and Dispatch® infection control products for the healthcare industry. More than 80 percent of the company's brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. Clorox's commitment to corporate responsibility includes making a positive difference in its communities. In fiscal year 2014, The Clorox Company and The Clorox Company Foundation contributed more than $16 million in combined cash grants, product donations, cause marketing and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit TheCloroxCompany.com.

About NSF International
NSF International is a global independent organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the water, food, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. Operating in more than 155 countries, NSF International is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment.

Media Contacts:
Rita Gorenberg
The Clorox Company
[email protected]  
510-208-4149

Whitney Press
Ketchum
[email protected]  
202-835-9460

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SOURCE The Clorox Company