In times such as these, it is essential to keep our families healthy. As our kitchens transform into a hub for various family activities, you may be thinking about improving your kitchen to be more conducive to staying healthy. When creating a germ-free kitchen, it is essential to consider high-contact surfaces that accumulate germs rapidly and the options available to combat them.
Let’s start from the bottom. Flooring is a surface that everyone touches and, therefore, hosts a large amount of germs. Consider choosing an antimicrobial surface such as cork or a Microban treated flooring to kill off unwanted microorganisms. Cork is a sustainable, eco-friendly product with many health benefits. Cork is a naturally antimicrobial material that provides a water-resistant cover to protect against the growth of mold and mildew. Cork has antistatic properties, which make it resistant to dust and allergens. The cushioned texture can also provide an extra layer of relief for those who have back and knee problems. Another excellent option for an antimicrobial surface is Mannington’s Adura LVT line, which contains Microban technology built right into the wear layer of the flooring. This surface provides 24/7 protection against microorganisms and continues to be 99% cleaner than untreated surfaces. To further ensure a healthy kitchen and a healthy home, Dalton Carpet One provides a Neutralize™ Installation System service with any product purchased. The Neutralize™ system consists of placing a layer of antimicrobial protectant on your subfloors and continues to sterilize after installation has been completed. At the conclusion of every installation, our installers spray an EPA registered disinfectant in your home, which is scientifically proven to kill viruses such as COVID-19, all while eliminating mold, mildew, and other germs. With Neutralize™, you can feel confident that your family and your home are safe and healthy after your home installation.
Now let’s talk countertops. One of the most durable and hygienic countertop surfaces on the market today is quartz. Quartz is inherently nonporous, so no sealing is necessary; it naturally provides a stain- and scratch-resistant surface to work on in your kitchen. Many manufacturers offer limitless color and finish variations of quartz that can provide a variety of design options for your kitchen. Another self-sterilizing surface is copper; which requires neither electrical nor chemical cleaners. Its natural hygienic properties make it an ideal choice for providing your kitchen with a germ-free countertop. Copper can be used in a variety of areas in your kitchen, such as sinks, faucets, backsplashes, and cabinet hardware. By implementing multiple coppered surfaces, you can create a seamless, monochromatic style to tie into your kitchen’s overall look, while effortlessly maintaining a healthy kitchen. Both the quartz countertops and copper finishes provide an added elegance, while allowing you to have the comfort of knowing you don’t have to worry about your loved ones’ health.
Lastly, the rise of touchless products being integrated into smart kitchen appliances has never been more crucial and timely. In 2021, touchless faucets will become an industry standard to minimize the transfer of germs to other surfaces. Added to this are voice activating, motion sensor capabilities for appliances such as refrigerators, faucets, soap dispensers, trash cans, and automated vacuum systems. Our designers recommend looking into LG’s latest Instaview Refrigerator models if you’re in the market for an appliance with all of these bells and whistles.
We hope that following our healthy kitchen guidelines will help you feel more at ease in your home and will help guide you in your home selections when you decided to update your kitchen. As always, our designers are here to help guide you through the journey to reaching a germ-free kitchen.
