When choosing construction materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops, most people focus on looks, cost and popularity. While these are all important factors, you shouldn’t forget about overall safety, which in this case means taking into account sanitary factors. You’ve likely noticed that stainless steel is a countertop surface often installed in restaurant kitchens and public restrooms, and the rationale behind this choice of material has to do with both durability and sanitation.Stainless steel is easy to clean and disinfect, but you may be surprised to learn that granite, under some circumstances, is considered to be even more sanitary. Here are a few things you should know about granite and its antibacterial properties.
Understanding Bacterial Surface Contamination
Similar to other types of natural stone, granite doesn’t inherently harbor bacteria, but it certainly has the capacity to attract microorganisms. Think about a granite slab that has been brushed to a rough finish of small, textured crevices. Those tiny spaces could trap moisture and food particles, thus creating a potential habitat for bacteria. There’s also the matter of porosity to consider. If you prepare a three-course meal on a granite countertop, you’ll deposit sugars, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins that can nourish bacteria, particularly if you fail to clean and seal the surface.
Granite vs. Other Surfaces
According to the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management, a private organization dedicated to researching food science and safety, the bacterial count of E. coli on granite is lower than on stainless steel after regular cleaning. The only time stainless steel is more sanitary than granite is after cleaning with vinegar, which you should never use on granite. This research shows that granite is safer than ceramic tile, laminate surfaces, and wood countertops.
Disinfecting Granite Countertops
Keeping the bacterial count to a minimum on your granite countertops can be accomplished with frequent cleaning. Using a mix of mild antibacterial dish soap and warm water, the sanitary levels of your kitchen and bathroom countertops can be safely maintained. After cleaning with this solution, you can also use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® to prevent or remove streaks. Keep in mind that frequent sealing also does more than just prevent stains. It helps in terms of blocking bacteria from entering the pores of your stone surfaces.
Choose Your Countertop Finish Wisely
As previously mentioned, a brushed surface finish is more likely to provide a conducive habitat for bacteria to form. For this reason, it may be a better idea to go for a honed and polished finish, particularly in a busy kitchen. The frequency of cleaning and sealing won’t change, but you’ll have the advantage of not having to scrub polished surfaces, which can be kept looking sharp and glossy with granite polish and a little buffing. In general, polished granite surfaces have less porosity, thus giving bacteria less spaces to hide.
To learn more about caring for granite countertops, as well as counters made of marble, limestone, slate, and other types of natural stone, get in touch with the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold®. Call 1-800-475-STONE (7866) today, and like our Facebook page for regular tips and updates on natural-stone care.
