Keeping kitchen surfaces clean and disinfected had become a significant issue during the coronavirus pandemic. The kitchen is the room families spend most of their time in, and the ingredients used while cooking can be a ready source of germs. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces help to keep the area safe. However, some materials are more likely than others to harbor harmful bacteria or viruses. During a Kitchen Remodel, there is an opportunity to select surfaces for countertops and floors that will help in the quest for a germ-free cooking space. Choosing the right materials like a copper faucet helps homeowners stay healthy. It’s important to keep your appliances clean, but also get them repaired if anything goes wrong with a local service provider such as: https://www.WindsorApplianceFix.com/
Surfaces That Harbor Germs
Countertops formed with concrete look wonderful after installation. The reason that they look so good is that they are sealed and smooth to the touch. Unfortunately, that sealant breaks down over time, and the base concrete is exposed. Since concrete is porous, bacteria and other germs have a place to hide. Even after cleaning and disinfecting, these germs often remain.
As a rule of thumb, any surface in a kitchen that’s constructed using porous materials is a potential place for unwanted microbes to hide. Materials to avoid using on countertops include marble, neglected granite, wood, and the grouting used to anchor hard tiles. Choose materials that prevent germ buildup.
Materials That Prevent Germ Buildup
Fortunately, there is a long list of attractive materials available for use on kitchen floors and countertops. These materials clean up nicely while preventing the buildup of harmful germs in a home. Since countertops are frequently used as storage spots for dirty purses, grocery bags, keys, and wallets, they should be built using hard nonporous surfaces.
Examples of suitable materials to choose for a countertop include synthetic compounds, stainless steel, and copper. Copper is often used in restaurants, and chefs like using it in their personal kitchens because germs can’t thrive on copper. Bamboo flooring and applications of epoxy to seal floors are hard and resist bacteria.
What to Look for in Appliances
There is a long list of appliances that harbor germs. Faucets are easier to clean when they are smooth. Can openers should be washed and disinfected after each use to avoid cross-contamination. Refrigerators and stoves made with stainless steel are popular for a good reason—they are much easier to clean since they are nonporous.
Pay careful attention to the materials used in small appliances, such as blenders and food processors. Fully disassemble the appliances when it’s time to clean them for better and safer results. Even the door handles on kitchen cupboards can be dirty with germs. Think about how often dirty fingers touch those handles and how commonly used towels are hung on them to dry. Weekly deep cleaning should always include wipedowns of the door handles and cabinets.
A kitchen remodel is an excellent opportunity to meet two goals: a great-looking functional room and a kitchen that resists disease-causing microbes and viruses. These goals can be attained by avoiding porous materials that harbor germs by opting for great-looking choices for countertops and floors that won’t provide safe harbor to germs. Materials used in kitchen appliances matter as well. Functionality, good health, and attractive materials are all possible when remodelers make informed choices. The health and safety of the family depend on how clean a kitchen is.
