Harmful Bacteria May Hide on Soft Surfaces in Your Home

LYSOL(R) Helps Protect Families by Killing 99.9% of Illness-Causing Bacteria on Soft Surfaces

PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Your family may not be the only ones getting comfy and cozy on the sofa. The soft, comfortable places where families relax and play at home can harbor thousands of bacteria. In fact, if fabric surfaces are not regularly sanitized, Staphylococcus bacteria can live on them for months.(1)

Families now have a partner to help keep their home healthy and protected from harmful bacteria lurking on soft surfaces. LYSOL(R) Disinfectant Spray, the brand families trust to help protect them from bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces, is also approved to kill 99.9% of illness-causing bacteria on soft surfaces, such as couches, mattresses, pillows, pet beds, backpacks and shoes. LYSOL(R) dries quickly, won't stain soft surfaces and leaves a light, fresh scent.

"Families encounter thousands of bacteria on the fabric and soft surfaces in their home," said Joe Rubino, director, Global Surface Care at Reckitt Benckiser, makers of LYSOL(R). "In the past, it has been difficult to properly sanitize and remove bacterial odors on these surfaces. Now families can use LYSOL(R) to kill bacteria and odors on everything from couches to car seats -- as well as the hard surfaces where they already use LYSOL(R) to kill harmful cold and flu viruses, such as toilets, sinks, doorknobs, counter tops, diaper pails and garbage cans."

Families can learn more tips to help stay healthy through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Ounce of Prevention Initiative, located online at http://www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/.

LYSOL(R) Disinfectant Spray, the number one pediatrician recommended brand, is available at retailers nationwide in a variety of fresh and clean scents including Crisp Linen, Spring Waterfall, Early Morning Breeze and new Citrus Meadows. For more information, visit www.lysol.com.

About LYSOL(R)/ Reckitt Benckiser, Inc.

Reckitt Benckiser is the world leader in household cleaning, (excluding laundry) and has a major presence in health and personal care. The Company is truly global, with over 60 operating companies and over 40 manufacturing facilities worldwide. With sales in 180 countries, the Company employs 22,000 people around the world. Among the Company's leading brands in household are Lysol, the world leader in disinfecting cleaning; Calgonit, Finish and Electrasol, the world leaders in automatic dishwashing; Woolite, world leader in fine fabrics; Vanish and Spray 'n Wash, world leaders in fabric treatment; Mucinex and Delsym, leaders in U.S. cold and cough; and Airwick and Mortein, both leading brands in air care and pest control, respectively. Reckitt Benckiser is headquartered in Slough just outside London and is listed on the London stock exchange. Its North American headquarters is in Parsippany, New Jersey, which is 30 miles West of New York City. With a market capitalization of $40 billion, Reckitt Benckiser ranks among the top 25 UK listed companies. Reckitt Benckiser has annual net revenues of $10 billion.

(1) LA Bouillard, MJ Devleeschouwer, O. Michael, Characteristics of the Home Bacterial Contamination and Endtoxin Related Release. Journal de Pharmacie de Belgique, 2006, 61, n2, pp 63-66.