Today, everyone is concerned about the types of materials coming into their homes. With the COVID-19 spreading worldwide, you might want to choose a countertop that is more resistant to viruses and bacteria.

Choose the Right Material for Your Home

For many people, their home is a sanctuary, especially a kitchen. This spot is where family and friends gather for events or a quick visit. In any situation, you want to keep the kitchen clean from any germs, viruses, or bacteria.

The health of your family is vital. You eat the right foods, exercise, and get a restful sleep. Since the start of coronavirus, you have even washed your hands more frequently and wiped down all those surfaces.

Even with all those precautions, there are many places where bacteria and viruses can collect. In the kitchen, that big countertop is a ripe environment for viruses and germs to settle down. If you prep food or place items on the surface, you have a recipe for cross-contamination.

While COVID-19 is a big concern, other germs and viruses are also lurking in your kitchen. You want to keep your spaces protected from listeria, E. coli, and salmonella. All these bacteria can cause illness in your home. You can keep your kitchen clean by wiping down all those hard surfaces. Along with that, make sure to clean those pots, dishes, cutting boards, and pans in your sink.

Are There Virus-Resistant Countertop Materials?

All these tips can keep your home healthy. However, you might want to add a virus-resistant countertop to your kitchen. Here is a bit of information about these materials and their resistance to viruses and other germs.

Many of those natural materials, like wood and stone, are porous. If you don’t clean your surfaces, bacteria can thrive. Wherever there is moisture, food, and warm temperatures, you have the risk of developing bacteria.

If you are looking to minimize these harmful germs, you will want to treat those natural surfaces with a sealer. You might also want to consider a non-porous material, such as quartz, for your countertops. These manufactured surfaces are less prone to staining or etching, unlike those natural products.

Granite Is a Great Choice

If you want a great material for your home, it might be time to think about granite. This stone is resistant to cracking, scratching, and staining. With a bit of daily wear and tear, you will have no problems with this material. Granite can even hold up to those common household acids.

However, granite is still a natural stone. It is porous. That means that mold, bacteria, and germs can stay on the surface. If you want to protect the cleanliness of your kitchen, you should think about resealing your countertops on an annual basis. When these countertops are installed, they are usually sealed by the installer. For extra protection, reach for a penetrating sealer. With this application, you can make your countertops resistant to viruses. You should remember that no sealer will offer 100 percent protection against viruses, but it can help you cut down on harmful bacteria on the surface.

Take a Look at Marble

Marble countertops add a level of luxury to your home. The beautiful, smooth, and cool surface lights up a room. However, these surfaces are still porous. You can still seal the surface to protect it from viruses and germs. Marble is less durable than its granite counterpart. Since it is a soft material, it can be etched from any type of acidic solution.

When marble is installed, it will need to be sealed. If you want to stop harmful bacteria from forming, you will need to reseal marble at least once a year. You should select a sealer that does not contain any toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds can cause health problems in your home. It may take a few applications to coat the surface, especially for marble that has not been correctly sealed. You can avoid having to reapply the sealer by completing this task annually. With that, you will have a high level of virus resistance throughout the year.

Quartz Is Another Option

If you want a clean and sanitary countertop, you should think about adding quartz. This material is resistant to viruses. Quartz is artificial, and it contains about 92 percent natural stone. The material is mixed with resin, polymers, and stone dust. As a result, the countertop is non-porous, and it is practically resistant to germs. You don’t have to worry about sealers. Just wipe the surface with an antibacterial cleaner, and you are all set.

Along with its clean surface, quartz is available in a wide range of choices. You can even find quartz that mimics the look of marble. These countertops also have the benefit of granite’s durability. You can enjoy all those great features without any of the porosity.

The Truth About Virus-Resistant Countertops

Many people choose granite and marble for their durability, aesthetics, and functionality. However, they need to be properly sealed during installation and throughout their lifespan. Without a sealer, these countertops can be prone to the buildup of harmful germs and bacteria. Maintenance is essential for these countertops. With the proper care, these surfaces last for a lifetime.

If you want a non-porous and virus-resistant surface, then make sure to choose quartz. These countertops only need minimal care. All you have to do is wipe down the surface without worrying about harmful viruses. For a complete virus-resistant surface, you will want to choose quartz.

Let Us Help Find the Right Option

At Marble Concepts, we have a large selection of countertop options for your home. Whether you want quartz or granite, we can find the best material to keep your space clean and healthy. Along with that, you can boost the appearance of your kitchen with these fantastic countertop options.

Are you looking for granite companies nearby your location? If you are ready to update the look of your counters, schedule a consultation. Please give us a call at 215-396-7393.