A Clean Kitchen: Antimicrobial Options for Counters and Floors

When it comes to your kitchen, there are several antimicrobial options for counters and floors. Having a clean kitchen has become a top priority for many homeowners thanks in no small part to health concerns around COVID.

Empty shelves that used to contain antibacterial wipes have been a common sight in many grocery stores over the last several months. Even though the stock is being replenished slowly, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan for future emergencies. One of the best ways to combat germs is to not let them accumulate, to begin with.

Kitchens can often harbor germs and bacteria simply because it is a high-traffic area and raw materials are processed daily. Picking materials that are naturally antimicrobial is a smart choice when choosing what materials to use for counters and floors. While there are many different options to choose from, here are a few options that will make your kitchen sparkle and smell fresh and clean.

Antimicrobial countertops

When choosing to remodel your kitchen, one of the most important choices you will make is what kind of countertop you will use. While there are many options to choose from, choosing materials that are specifically antimicrobial will help keep your countertops free of unwanted germs and bacteria.

Quartz countertops are one of the most popular countertop choices, not only because of their beauty and durability but also because they are antimicrobial and will help keep counters free from germs and bacteria. It is completely nonporous, so no sealing is required and this will ensure that germs have no hiding places where they can grow.

Another option for an antimicrobial countertop is stainless steel. Stainless steel is antimicrobial thanks to its nonporous nature and the fact that it can be wiped clean with just soap and water. It can be scratched, so it's a good idea to keep on hand lots of cutting boards. There are also other options such as copper, which has inherent germ-fighting capabilities, but it will also patina over time so it is a bit more high maintenance than other options. 

With any material you choose for your countertop, you can add a layer of protection even if the material you use isn't microbial. For example, you can choose to seal the material with an antimicrobial sealant such as Sucrete if you are using concrete for your countertops,  which comes in a matte or semi-gloss finish so you can customize the look of your countertops.

Antimicrobial flooring

Flooring options for kitchens are seemingly endless. Since the kitchen has the most traffic in your home and is where many raw materials are handled, it makes sense that when choosing flooring for your kitchen you should choose a material that will be antimicrobial in nature. Bamboo flooring is a good option because it has antifungal agents within the material itself. Studies have shown that it also resists various bacterial strains. 

Another option for antimicrobial flooring is cork. According to the NIH, "cork displayed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with a bacterial reduction of almost 100% (96.93%) after 90 minutes of incubation, similar to the one obtained with ACA." Given cork's natural ability to fight staph, this makes it a fantastic option for adding it to your kitchen to help fight germs and bacteria. 

A clean-looking kitchen doesn't always necessarily mean a sterile kitchen. The porous nature of wood and other materials used in the kitchen can harbor microscopic germs. Having antimicrobial surfaces in the kitchen is a great way to help keep your home and your family bacteria-free and safe for many years to come.

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