The Best Countertop Surfaces to Minimize Germs in Your Kitchen

Keep your kitchen clean, including while cooking

In addition to the headline-inducing coronaviruses, there are other germs to protect yourself from, especially in the kitchen where food is prepared. E. coli, salmonella, and listeria have historically been among the most common disease-causing bacteria in the United States, and they can all lurk in the kitchen. Los Angeles Times shared some helpful tips for keeping your kitchen clean, including:

• Wash dirty dishes, cutting boards, pots and pans immediately.
• Wash your hands at all times, including before sitting at the table after preparing a meal.
• Have a cleaning routine that includes wiping down surfaces regularly.
• Take out the trash more often.
• Get out while you cook.
• Make sure you prevent cross-contamination by making sure raw meat doesn’t come into contact with anything and having a separate cutting board for it.
• Avoid “double diving” when trying your culinary creation. Use a new spoon each time.

Houzz.ru also has great information on cleaning procedures to protect your home from viruses, worth checking out whether you cook a lot or a little.

Microbes on the surface of the kitchen countertop

The reality is that many beautiful materials, including wood and natural stone, are porous. Bacteria can thrive in tiny depressions on these surfaces when they find exactly what they need – food, moisture and a comfortable temperature. To further minimize the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other undesirables such as fungus and mold, we recommend a non-porous countertop surface for your kitchen. In addition to not having natural cracks or cracks, these surfaces are not subject to etching, staining, or denting (all signs of softer, more porous surfaces).

Quartz countertops

Photo Credit: Photograph by Christian Giannelli, 2019

One of the most durable and hygienic countertop surfaces, quartz is made from a mixture of naturally occurring minerals held together by polymers and resin. As a result, quartz countertops are non-porous and bacteria have nowhere to hide. The daily recommended maintenance of a quartz countertop is also simple – all you need is a non-abrasive cleaning cloth with soap and water.

Solid Surface Worktops

Corian® was developed DuPont™ over 40 years ago by mixing pure acrylic resin with natural minerals. Its grout-free design makes cleaning and maintenance a homeowner’s dream. The hard surface is non-porous and stain resistant. All that is required for cleaning is a soft cotton cloth and warm soapy water. NOT Use harsh commercial Corian cleaners that can damage your hard surface counters. Also, do not use window cleaners that can leave a waxy coating on the surface. Our favorite feature of hard surface countertops might be that they are super strong, repairable, and heat and blade resistant.

Laminate countertops

Laminate manufacturers such as Formica® and Wilsonart® continue to be the authority when it comes to laminate countertops. Laminates have come a long way and offer a high quality look at an affordable price. We especially love it art by wilson high definition laminates are antimicrobial and they can create just about any look you want, from natural stone to wood.

While laminate countertops are built to last, you should avoid over-damaging the surface whenever possible and, of course, be mindful of the seams. A soft cotton cloth and soapy water or mild household cleaners will do the job of daily cleaning. However, if excessive water remains on laminate countertops, especially near any seams, the countertop can bulge and create more opportunities for bacteria, fungus or mold to grow.

See also: White Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops: A Style Guide

Granite countertops

Granite is a popular natural stone countertop created by mother nature. We certified granite is made from the highest quality natural material. Granite, like marble, must be sealed to reduce porosity. Professional sealing not only maintains the natural beauty of granite countertops, this helps prevent the secretion of harmful bacteria and other germs. Not use harsh chemical cleaners or bleach to clean granite countertops.

No matter what countertop material you currently have in your kitchen, we always recommend that you follow the appropriate guidelines for proper care and maintenance.