Granite is naturally resistant to bacteria, but this does not mean it is impervious to germs. Regularly sealing the stone helps the surface resist liquids that can harbor bacteria. Sealing granite closes the tiny crevices and pores where bacteria can thrive.
Granite helps reduce the risk of bacteria buildup on its own. When installed by a professional, the stone is properly sealed and is no longer able to absorb bacteria found in food. This means you'll be able to get rid of it just by wiping the surface off with your preferred kitchen cleaner.
Sanitary: Granite has a natural antibacterial property which makes it highly sanitary. It has very small pores that allow fluids to pass through but to a very minimal range. Most manufacturers will seal its surfaces to improve their sanitary function.
Since sealed granite is resistant to bacteria, dish soap and water should be enough for daily sanitizing. If your countertops have nicks and scratches in the finish, you may want to sanitize them more thoroughly.
Quartz is one of the most hygienic countertops that are perfect for the kitchen. With an emphasis on cleanliness during food preparation, you'll be glad to know that premium quartz countertops are anti-microbial. This means there is no room for bacteria to thrive and grow on the surface.
As mentioned earlier, quartz is among the best materials for antibacterial countertops because it's easy to clean. In most cases, homeowners can clean quartz countertops with soap and water (specific issues may require an approved quartz cleaner).
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
A well-sealed granite countertop is relatively impervious to bacteria. Hot water and dish soap should be adequate for daily sanitizing. However, if a disinfectant is desired, reach for a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol.
You should not use Lysol on your granite countertops, backsplashes or vanity tops. The cleaner contains harsh ingredients that can cause your sealer to lose its effectiveness. In specific, scents such as lemon contain citric acid, so you need to keep away from those.
Each slab of granite is different, so it may not be a good choice if you prefer a completely uniform look. Granite itself is expensive, and the labor-intensive installation can run three times more than the cost of the material. Granite can be permanently stained if you seal it with a preexisting stain.
Disinfecting wipes are convenient and they are effective but you should avoid using them on granite or any other natural stone surface.
Mold growth on granite countertops turns them to discolor and turn dark. The mold grows on the surface and cannot be absorbed inside the granite stone. However, mold ruins the look of the beautiful granite countertop. Hence, it is important to renew granite countertops by hiring professional cleaners.
Radon released from granite building materials can be released over the lifetime of use but typically will be diluted by ventilation. In addition to radon, naturally occurring radioactive elements in the granite can emit small amounts of beta and gamma radiation.
With the concern over the radioactive risk potential of granite countertops, it is important to remember that we are always exposed to a certain level of background radiation. All granite, and most earthen materials, contain trace amounts of uranium and radium, emit gamma radiation and release radon gas.
A sealant does not, however, protect the granite from physical damage. Granite must also be allowed to breathe, because it is a natural stone. Granite slabs are made up of several layers of crystals which need to interact with the components of air, particularly oxygen.
Containing both ammonia and lemon, Lysol Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner isn't a good option for cleaning granite countertops. The acid in lemons is known to break down the sealant used to protect granite countertops. In addition, ammonia can scratch the surface of your granite and even start eating away at it.
You may not think dish soap and hot water are enough to thoroughly clean your granite countertop but they are actually completely fine for sanitizing. If you still aren't convinced a 50:50 solution of water and isopropyl alcohol is a stronger solution suitable to be sprayed on granite.
Don't pour soap directly on granite countertops. Stone is porous, and full strength soap can seep into pores causing tough to remove stains. Always dilute your soap with water before cleaning. Don't use an abrasive scrubber.
If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone. DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges. Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided.
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant.
However, vinegar should never be used on your granite countertops. Vinegar is made up of acids that can severely harm your granite. Even if it is diluted, vinegar may still leave acids on your granite countertops. This can cause your natural stone countertops to etch.
Quartz countertops from companies such as Caesarstone and PentalQuartz are another good option. Blackband recommends sticking with white or, if you don't like white, a neutral color, such as tan, beige or ivory. Go with a subtle pattern and low veining for a longer-lasting look.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.