Kitchen countertops are understandably one of your home’s most heavily trafficked surfaces. You use them to prepare practically every meal your family eats, which can leave them looking and feeling dirty and makes them a potential breeding ground for germs.

This is why you should find the most hygienic kitchen countertops to help protect your family’s health while keeping your kitchen looking clean, and the best way to do this is to choose a countertop material that is easy to clean and maintain.

When it comes to hygiene, some countertops rise above the rest in terms of maintenance and cleanliness. In this article, we discuss which countertops offer the best protection against bacteria, germs, and other nasty contaminants.

 

 

What characteristics make certain kitchen countertops hygienic?

 

Hygienic countertops have three key characteristics – they should be easy to maintain, clean, and non-porous.

A hygienic countertop requires minimal maintenance, such as periodic sealing if necessary. It also stays shiny and smooth without stains or scratches over time. The surfaces are also easy to clean using regular dish soap, warm water, and other mild household cleaners.

Hygienic countertops also have a non-porous surface, which means liquid spills, oils, food debris, and other types of dirt won’t seep into the material. Minimal or no porosity ensures that the surface doesn’t trap food particles and moisture that may create a perfect breeding ground for germs.

So, with these characteristics in mind, which kitchen countertops out there meet such hygienic standards?

 

 

Five of the most hygienic kitchen countertops for your home

 

If you’re looking to stay at the top of your game when it comes to health and hygiene in your home kitchens, here are some kitchen countertops you should consider:

 

Quartz

 

Besides beauty and durability, quartz is one of the most hygienic materials for a kitchen countertop. Quartz is made up of natural minerals held together by resin and polymers. These materials make quartz countertops non-porous and highly resistant to stains and bacteria growth since liquids and other contaminants won’t penetrate the surface.

With a quartz countertop, you can stop worrying that contaminants and germs will have a place to hide. Daily maintenance is also a breeze because you can clean the surface using a nonabrasive cleaner, warm water, and a soft cloth.

 

Granite

 

Granite is a natural stone known for its toughness, resilience, and natural beauty to make your kitchen look elegant. It is heat and scratch resistant, so you don’t have to worry about scratches or discolouration.

Although granite is porous and germs can hide in the stone’s tiny pores, it’s easy to minimise this risk by using a good sealer and regular cleaning.

This means you should schedule regular granite countertop maintenance to seal it and extend its beauty and lifespan. Part of maintenance also means avoiding using harsh chemicals and bleach when cleaning your kitchen countertop.

 

 

Stainless steel

 

Stainless steel countertops are the go-to for professional chefs in commercial kitchens where there are strict hygiene and food safety standards. The countertops are water resistant, so they don’t allow germs to stick around for long and cause health issues.

However, the polished surface of the stainless steel countertops can easily get scratched, damaging its aesthetic appeal. There’s also a high risk of denting the texture if you drop something heavy on it.

Additionally, stainless steel gives your kitchen a cold and sterile feel, unlike the warmth of granite or quartz.

 

Laminate

 

Laminate countertops are cost-effective and available in various colours, textures, and designs. They’re hygienic, as it’s easy to clean them using mild household cleaners and soft cotton.

The biggest downside of these countertops is that they last less time than other materials. You should be extra careful when cleaning a laminate countertop to ensure you don’t leave excessive water on it, especially near the seams. If water seeps into the seams, the countertop will most likely swell, creating more room for mould, fungus, and bacteria growth.

 

 

Marble

 

Marble is a popular choice for luxury kitchens and adds elegance to your home. Its luxurious appearance adds a unique touch to your kitchen space, while its naturally unique designs are a great conversation starter.

Since marble is a soft stone, it is porous and can absorb liquids like oil and wine. However, it’s easy to reduce marble’s porosity by sealing it with a good quality sealer that will create a barrier between the surface and contaminants, making it easier to clean and maintain.

 

The Stone Gallery – your provider of granite and quartz kitchen countertops

 

If you’re planning on getting a hygienic NEW countertop for your kitchen, then consider getting one from The Stone Gallery.

Our showroom is Ireland’s largest indoor gallery for sintered, engineered, and natural stone, including granite and quartz. We have been supplying and installing stunning kitchen worktops for 35 years, so you can trust us to help you choose the most hygienic kitchen countertops for your project.

Get in touch with us today to start the journey of transforming your kitchen space into a stylish and hygienic one, or visit our showroom to see and choose your new countertop in person.

Remember to also check out our blog and resources for more home renovation tips and ideas!