REDUCE GERMS IN YOUR KITCHEN WITH THESE COUNTERTOPS
The kitchen is supposed to be the cleanest place in the home considering its role. The kitchen is a place of attraction for various activities especially food as it is important for livelihood. This could as well lead to increased germs in the kitchen.
There are some countertops that require less maintenance services and can help you reduce germs to the nearest minimum. Let me first of all highlight the kitchen routine that increase hygiene.
How to Improve Your Kitchen Hygiene?
Common food-associated germs that you can find in your kitchen includes salmonella, E-coli, and listeria. These foods cause the most common illnesses according to studies Vancouver. Therefore, you should watch out and protect yourself from these bacteria by following this kitchen hygiene:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water (Before, during, and after using the kitchen).
- Clean-up your kitchen as you cook.
- Wash your kitchen utensils, dishes, pans, pots, and cutting boards immediately after use.
- Wipe your kitchen surfaces regularly with disinfectants even if they appear clean.
- Use new spoon every time you taste your meal. Do not fall for “double-dipping”.
- Take out the trash frequently.
- Avoid cross-contamination by dedicating a separate cutting board for raw meat. Do not also allow it to have contact with any other surface in the kitchen.
With the tips above, you’re already in track to minimizing germs.
Kitchen Countertop Surfaces to Help You Reduce Germs
Wood and stone countertops are natural and beautiful; however, they are porous. This means that germs can grow within the comfort of these pores. Except you’re ready to give in to the maintenance routine to minimize germs, these countertops are not recommended when reducing germs is the goal.
There are hard, non-porous countertop surfaces that can help you reduce germs in your kitchen. The advantages of these countertop surfaces go beyond minimizing germs. They are also easy to clean and maintain. There are no cracks or fissures from nature, and doesn’t harbor stains.
Here are examples of countertop surfaces to help you reduce germs in your kitchen:
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops is a natural stone countertop. In as much as its naturally occuring, there is need to seal it just like marble. Sealing the cover pores can help reduce germs on the granite surface. Also, harsh chemical cleaners or bleach is not suitable for your granite countertop.
Solid Surface Countertops
Another non-porous surface that don't tolerate germs. You should clean the solid surface countertop with a soft, cotton cloth using warm, soapy water. Solid surface countertop is obtained through the blending of natural mineral and pure acrylic resins. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents on solid surfaces. These countertops are scratch resistant, durable, and re-touchable.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are non-porous; hence germs have no hiding place. Simply clean your quartz surface with soap and clean water using a non-abrasive wiping cloth and you’re good. Quartz are durable and among the most hygienic countertops. They are made from natural minerals formed using resins and polymers.
Laminate Countertops
This contemporary countertop material gives your kitchen a high-end look for affordable cost. Laminate countertops with its various designs can give the appearance that suits your lifestyle. While laminate countertops can help you reduce germs in your kitchen, be watchful of the seams. Do not allow excess water on this countertop as it may get through the seam causing your countertop to swell up. Obviously, this will give room for more bacteria, fungi, and mold. Clean with a soft, cotton wiping cloth using clean water and mild cleaners.