A Virus Free Home

Medical facilities have made use of anti microbial materials to slow the transmission of airborne pathogens (like the coronavirus known as COVID-19) for years. But such pathogens, along with bacteria, mildew, and mold, can also live on surfaces in our homes for up to several days. Certain materials and finishes for your home offer antimicrobial protection, meaning they either kill microorganisms or stop their growth. 

1. Copper. This beautiful metal has inherent properties which make this an all-natural anti microbial material for countertops and fixtures 

2. Quartz: this popular countertop material is anti microbial and maintenance free.  There are numerous manufacturers of quartz or quartz blend countertops (including Silestone, Dekton, and Caesarstone).

3. Several manufacturers, such as Wilsonart, make antimicrobial laminate countertops. Protection from damaging microbes like mold and mildew is actually built into the surface.

4. For fixtures: Lead-free copper is a great choice for hardware, as the material is naturally antimicrobial and never needs sealing.

Also Hands-free fixtures in the kitchen and bath.  Thanks to several manufacturers — such as Delta, Kohler, and Moen — there are far more stylish.

5. Flooring: bamboo has an antifungal agent living in it, and cork flooring, which comes from the cork oak tree, stops bacteria and microorganisms from growing. Both need to be sealed and resealed with a polyurethane coating.

6. Most paint manufacturers offer an additive that is simply mixed into any color or finish, making it antimicrobial. This makes the paint resistant to mold, fungus, and bacteria even after repeated cleanings.

7. Fabrics: Acrylic, polyolefin, and polypropylene are all hydrophobic (meaning they don’t absorb water), which makes them resistant to mold and mildews. Most outdoor fabrics are bleach cleanable with a diluted bleach solution, and they’re mold- and mildew-resistant.