How Countertop Surfaces Can Help Fight Germs

Foodborne illnesses are nasty and can do everything from ruin your night to threaten your life. In fact, bacteria like E. coli and salmonella are some of the most common causes of illness in the country, and they’re most often found in the kitchen. Fortunately, there are ways you can help fight these germs in your kitchen. The most obvious is to wash your kitchen tools like pots and pans immediately after use and to wash your hands regularly, but that’s just the beginning. You can also fight germs by using specific materials with your countertops. Here’s how countertop surfaces can help fight germs.

Quartz Counters

The shining white of quartz counters can be beautiful, especially if you’re opting for bright colors in your kitchen, but quartz is also useful for combating the spread of germs. This is primarily because the material isn’t porous, so bacteria have nowhere but the surface to linger. Cleaning the surface is easily done with soap and water, so keeping quartz counters clean requires no more effort than your general cleaning practices.

Solid Counters

Solid surface countertops are constructed from a combination of minerals and acrylic resin. The resin itself is pure in an effort to make the counter stain-resistant. Part of its stain-resistant properties is the fact that it’s non-porous, which, much like with quartz, prevents bacteria from hiding within the counter. Just make sure you don’t use any harsh cleaners on solid surface counters. Instead, stick with soap and water to prevent the germ-prone buildup that other cleaners can cause.

Laminate Counters

For those of you looking for a high-end look in your kitchen, laminate countertops are among the best options available. They’re sleek and sharp, yet still relatively affordable. Fortunately, laminates are also antimicrobial by design, so you won’t have to do much of anything to keep germs off of them other than keeping the seams clear of any build-up or debris. They need to be cleaned regularly to ensure no water or anything else can slip inside. Should debris or water make its way through the seams, the counter can swell and create new spaces for germs to hide.

Granite Counters

A staple for high-end kitchens, granite countertops are among the most popular types of countertops available. They’re made from the titular stone and offer a sleek, natural look to your kitchen. Just make sure that it’s properly sealed to eliminate its porous traits. Should it not be sealed correctly and professionally, harmful germs can make their way inside and lie in wait to infect your food or get on your hands. Additionally, ensure that you don’t use harsh cleaners like bleach to clean granite, as it can destroy more than just the germs there.

Upgrade Your Countertops

If you’re looking to take your kitchen countertops to the next level, Kitchen Solvers is happy to help. Our team will work with you to design the kitchen of your dreams that offers everything you want, including protection against germs. Contact our team today to get started on your next kitchen project.

And be sure to check out our blogs, Pros and Cons of Different Countertop Materials along with Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertop: Quartz, Corian or Granite for more information on choosing the best countertop for your kitchen.

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