411homerepair.com

Countertop Comparison: Which is the Easiest to Clean?

by Guest on May 12, 2012

Laminate, wood, tile, concrete, stainless steel, and granite are the most common materials used for home counters. When choosing a surface, appearance and price are always the top priorities. However, homeowners should also consider the sanitary properties of each material.

In an experiment published by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in 19991, each of these six materials was tested to see which was the easiest to sanitize. A sample of each surface was treated with E. coli, the bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Afterward, each sample was washed with regular dishwashing soap and a washcloth and then rinsed. This simple wash and rinse experiment replicated common household cleaning practices.
After each surface had been washed and rinsed, samples were taken from each material to determine which had retained the most bacteria.

Granite performed the best, with less than 0.003% of the bacteria remaining after simply cleaning with dish soap. The retention of the E. coli was from most retained to most removed as follows:

1. Laminate
2. Wood
3. Tile
4. Concrete
5. Stainless steel
6. Granite

In the next part of the experiment, the washed and rinsed samples were cleaned with a solution of vinegar and water. This test simulated the cleaning practices of commercial kitchens. Again, laminate, wood, tile, and concrete did not perform as well as stainless steel and granite samples. In this test, stainless steel proved the most effective, with 0.0000005% of the bacteria remaining, compared to 0.00002% on the granite.

In both cases, the amount of E. coli remaining on the surface is well below sanitation guidelines and would be considered safe. Cleaning the laminate, wood, tile, and concrete with vinegar removed as much bacteria as soap and water did on the granite and stainless steel surfaces. Homeowners should reflect on their own cleaning practices when selecting a countertop material. Cleaning a solid surface, such as granite or stainless steel, will only require a mild detergent. Laminate, wood, and tile will require harsh chemicals for the same result.

It’s no surprise that stainless steel performed well in these tests—it has been the surface of choice in the commercial kitchens for years. However, granite’s sanitary properties may surprise some. Unlike stainless steel, granite is available in a wide number of colors and designs. Granite is popular in homes because it doesn’t show fingerprints and will never dent or scratch.

When shopping for new counters, it is tempting to choose a material based on looks alone. That’s why some homeowners are surprised to learn that naturally beautiful granite is also safe, sanitary, and easy to maintain. The “greenest” kitchen countertop is also the cleanest and it has become the top choice for home countertops.

Article Credits & Appreciation

FactoryPlaza.com

Kitchen / Bathrooms 6896 Views

Latest Articles

How Much Does it Cost to Take a Bath​?

Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...

on Apr 8, 2025

10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget

A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...

on Mar 25, 2025

Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas

Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...

on Mar 7, 2025

Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...

on Feb 18, 2025

Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan

When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...

on Jan 12, 2025

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

6 Warning Signs Your Home has Electrical Problems You Need to Fix

It’s easy to overlook electrical issues in the house when you do not know what to look for. However, it is crucial that you know what these signs...

Roofing / Gutters

Solar Panels for the Home Save Money and Our Environment

The process of fitting solar panels in your house offers a barrage of positive benefits. This is a renewable energy source that takes advantage of...

Eco-Friendly / Go Green

10 Essential Tricks for Boosting Your Home’s Value and Curb Appeal

When it comes to moving up the property ladder, one of the biggest challenges is optimizing the value of your home. If you invest your time and...

Improvements / Remodeling

8 Ways You Could Be Ruining Your Home Without Realizing

Since the worldwide pandemic began we have all spent more time in our homes than before. This has drawn our attention to ways we could be better...

Cleaning / Maintenance

The Do’ and Don’ts of Fitting Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring is an expensive material and if you are installing it for the first time then here are a few pointers worth reading. If in doubt...

Floors / Tile / Hardwood

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2025