Antimicrobial Countertop Surfaces: How to Protect Your Home or Business from COVID-19
The growing health concern surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is putting people all over the world on high alert. While we vigilantly wash our hands and search for the last bottles of hand sanitizer, it’s important to think about long-term solutions. Antimicrobial countertop solutions are a great way to protect your homes and business against the spread of airborne viruses.
In terms of countertop surfaces, the most obvious choice is copper. Copper has natural antimicrobial properties that make it a great choice for hospitals and other medical facilities. In the home, copper countertops are safe for food contact and require little maintenance to stay free of viruses and bacteria.
Zinc, too, is a metal countertop option that has natural antimicrobial properties. Due to this, zinc has long been the go-to selection for raw seafood bars and cocktail bars. Using zinc and copper in restaurants and commercial spaces is a great way to protect the public from unknowingly spreading illnesses.
Not only do zinc and copper countertops display antimicrobial properties in their sheet metal construction, but they are also present in Brooks Custom’s Artisan Cast products. Because Artisan Cast coatings are 80% metals, they retain all the properties of their metal alloys including being antimicrobial.
How do you clean countertops to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19?
| Material | Prevention Method |
| Stainless Steel, Pewter | Stainless steel and pewter are not antimicrobial but can be treated with an all-purpose cleaner with disinfectant as per CDC guidelines. |
| Copper, Zinc, Brass, Bronze, Nickel | These metals have natural antimicrobial properties and do not need special treatment. Make sure to clean regularly with Windex, or another mild cleanser. |
| Concrete | Concrete is a very durable material. Clean with bleach, or disinfectants that contain bleach. |
| Wood Countertops with Marine Finish | Clean wood countertops sealed with Brooks Custom’s Marine Finish, like Premium Wide Plank tops, with soap and water. Also, use an all-purpose cleaner with disinfectant, or Clorox wipes. |
| Sealed and Oiled Butcher Blocks | Clean butcher block countertops with antibacterial soap and water. End grain and edge grain butcher blocks are sealed and oiled so any harsh disinfectant will permeate into the wood. |
Please contact us if you have any questions about maintaining your countertops or the best products to use on your countertop material.
If you are interested in getting a quote on any of these materials, email quotes@brookscustom.com or call 1-800-244-5432.