After the spread of coronavirus, homeowners have become more conscious about hygiene and cleaning. It has led to the explosion of hands-free and other advanced technological products in the market. One of the studies also shows that about 85% of the American population wants to adopt automated and touchless items, mainly due to the COVID-19 scare. And since these futuristic products offer them both mental peace and comfort, they don’t hesitate to go for one. Besides, there is an awakening towards antibacterial and low-maintenance materials. If you also want to keep your home clean and easy to maintain, here are a few things for you to consider.
Mudrooms and entrance
As soon as you enter the home, you have to wash your hands. It has become a custom now. But before you reach the sink, you may have to open the door, switch on lights, etc. You can replace all the door handles and locks with a surface that fights against bacterial growth. For lights, you can select antimicrobial light switches, which again doesn’t allow germs to grow. And if you desire to avoid touching altogether, you can opt for motion-sensor fixtures that require regular electrical boxes for installation. With a wave of the hand, you can control the lights.
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Kitchen
It is the center of your home. Hence, keeping it clean and germ-free has to be the primary responsibility. Fortunately, various products and surfaces are available today that help you ensure its cleanliness. For example, countertops are most likely the busiest surface in the kitchen. To protect it from a germ attack, you can opt for materials that contain antimicrobial additives. Something that has natural antimicrobial properties can be the best fit. They will not have any chemicals, which tend to disappear over time or lead to some hazards. According to experts, stainless steel can be the ideal solution.
A stainless steel surface would not allow food-borne contaminants to enter, and it provides excellent heat-resistance. You don’t have to work too hard for its maintenance. You can disinfect and clean it with soap and water. Besides, unsealed copper is another suggestion. It also tends to be naturally antibacterial. You cannot have it all over your kitchen, but your prep area or island can incorporate it. When you talk about these materials, you can think of their use in sink, backsplash, and cabinet hardware.
Nowadays, stainless steel motion-activated faucets are also available. You can go touch-free with it as just a wave of your hand is enough to activate it for maximum hygiene and cleanliness. For this and other options, you can browse through the collection of Kraus stainless kitchen faucets.
Furthermore, you can also consider the choice of engineered surfaces, such as quartz. Its non-porous quality makes it less vulnerable to bacterial growth. It is better than natural stone. You can use this material in many places, including countertops, walls, backsplashes, and flooring. Still, you would want to be extra sure about what you pick when you talk about flooring.
Floors are not the work surface, but they can develop germs and bacteria from regular spills and food remnants. Hence, you would like to trust a material that is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. Linoleum can be an example here. While it feels soft to your feet, you don’t have to worry about its durability and maintenance as such. You can cover the flooring with anti-slip floor mats for fall protection. Also, make sure these mats don’t foster mildew, mold, or bacteria from food and drink stains.
Kitchen lights can also be touchless to prevent the spread of germs in the kitchen. Choose garbage bins that come with motion or voice sensors. These would not only make your general cleaning easy but also improve a germ-free ambiance.
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Bathroom
Another most susceptible area of your house can be the bathroom. Hence, you can choose the same non-porous and tough materials for its walls and floors as the kitchen. Choosing a surface that offers high resistance to humidity and stains can be most suitable. Since you get plenty of choices in the market, you would not have to struggle to find one. The same material can cover cabinetry doors, shower walls, and other surfaces also. And lights, faucet, and soap dispenser can again offer you a touch-free experience. But you may be thinking about the toilet, another favorite place for bacteria and germs.
You can move from your traditional fixture to a motion-sensor flush that self-cleans, opens automatically, and so on. In the shower, you can expect plenty of options from voice-activated to app-controlled systems. The door handles, shower curtains and other things can have antimicrobial additives for extra safety.
Living room and bedroom
Shared areas like the living room can be your main concern when it comes to cleaning. You can feel more tensed if you have kids and pets in the house. For these places, you can invest in high-quality paint that is easy to clean. Some colors also offer protection from germs and bacteria because of their unique composition. You can opt for them for your living room and bedroom. Once applied, you may not have to think about them for at least four years. And maintenance would also not be a problem. Some people also like the idea of using vinyl wallpapers in their homes.
