When choosing the perfect worktops for your kitchen or bathroom, the primary concern is usually practicality. It’s not only about budget or style, but also about how well your work surface will hold up over the years. Granite has proven popular for a number of years and this trend continues to grow. That said, there have been some concerns regarding the hygiene factor.
While some like to argue that granite is prone to harbouring bacteria, others beg to differ. It’s true that natural stone is porous and can be penetrated by water and other substances. That said, there are ways of combating this problem.
The first step to take is to make sure that you seal the worktops as soon as they are installed. This sealing will need to be performed regularly as soon as you notice it wears down. Perform regular tests by applying small amounts of water to the work surface. If you notice beading, your sealant is still doing its job. If the water does not bead, but stars to sink into the stone, you should reseal at once.
It’s also a good idea to disinfect your worktops regularly with a suitable disinfectant. Harsh chemicals should be avoided so make sure that you ask your stone suppler about their product recommendations.