Your kitchen is the center of your house, which serves as your haven. It serves as a place for family and friends to gather in addition to being where you cook. Why wouldn’t you want that significant room to be among your home’s cleanest areas as well? Your kitchen can be greatly simplified to maintain and easier to clean with the right materials.
Germs on Kitchen Countertop Surfaces
Other germs exist besides the coronaviruses that made headlines, particularly in the kitchen where food is prepared. History has shown that E. coli, salmonella, and listeria are some of the most frequent bacteria in the kitchen that cause illnesses in the United States.
It makes sense that a place that is frequently used would develop its fair share of bacteria and germs. Most of the time, germs and bacteria are hardly anything to worry about, but some microorganisms, like mold and mildew, can cause problems for people who already have underlying medical conditions, like asthma. Here are some wise tips for keeping your kitchen as spotless as possible:
- Dishes, cutting boards, pots, and pans should be washed right away.
- Always wash your hands, even after preparing a meal and before you sit down to eat.
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule that includes wiping down surfaces.
- Take out the trash often.
- Clean while you cook
- Make sure to avoid cross-contamination by using a separate cutting board for raw meat and keeping it away from other foods.
- When you taste your culinary creation, avoid “double-dipping.” Every time, use a fresh spoon.
The truth is that a lot of gorgeous materials, like wood and genuine stone, are permeable to water. When bacteria find everything they require—food, moisture, and a comfortable temperature—they can thrive in the tiny crevices on these surfaces. We advise a non-porous countertop surface for your kitchen to further reduce the presence of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other undesirables, like fungus and mold. These surfaces are not only free of naturally occurring cracks and fissures, but also resistant to etching, staining, and divots (all signs of softer, more porous surfaces).
Investing in high-quality antimicrobial countertops for their kitchens is one of the most efficient ways homeowners can address this issue. Reduce the spread of harmful germs and bacteria by investing in antimicrobial counter surfaces from a reputable manufacturer. Homeowners can use a variety of materials for their countertops, some of which include:
- Quartz
- Granite
- Laminate
Quartz Countertops
Without a doubt, quartz is one of the most hygienic and long-lasting countertop materials available. The natural mineral quartz is combined with polymers, resin, and frequently color pigments to create quartz countertops. Since they have no pores, the troublesome bacteria have nowhere to hide as a result. One of the biggest advantages is how simple it is to maintain quartz countertops on a daily basis. Quartz countertops are therefore non-porous and have no crevices for bacteria to hide. It’s simple to perform the recommended daily maintenance on your quartz countertop; all you need is a non-abrasive cleaning cloth and some soap and water.
Granite Countertops
Mother Nature created the common natural stone countertop material known as granite. Marble and granite both require sealing to lessen porousness. Professional sealing helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other germs in addition to preserving the natural beauty of granite countertops.
Granite is entirely natural, as opposed to quartz, which is man-made; consequently, it is porous. However, the stone’s inherent porousness is significantly reduced when it is professionally sealed. The sealing procedure is crucial because it not only protects the stone’s inherent beauty but also stops dangerous bacteria or other germs from growing over time. Granite countertops are generally very simple to maintain—just remember to re-seal them frequently! Similar to quartz, cleaning only requires a basic soap and water solution.
Laminate Countertops
Manufacturers of laminates, such as Wilsonart and Formica, continue to be the industry leaders in laminate countertops. Laminates have advanced significantly and provide a high-end appearance at a reasonable cost.
Although laminate countertops are built to last, you should always try to limit surface damage and, of course, pay attention to the seams. Daily cleanings can be done with a soft cotton cloth, soapy water, or mild household cleaners. On the other hand, if too much water is left on laminate countertops, particularly close to any seams, the countertop may swell and increase the chance of the growth of bacteria, fungus, or mold.
We always advise following the proper cleaning and maintenance instructions, regardless of the type of countertop material you currently have in your kitchen.
