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Aspects of Granite Surface Hygiene in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic
The whole world is passing through the odd times of COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most fatal challenges of the century. 3-4 months back, this massive and unprecedented viral disease affected granite production badly. Now, granite quarries and factories are back in action, but they are still reeling from the economic blows. With its worldwide reach, Covid-19 has compelled people to continue to stay at home. Here, the safety of the kitchen having granite countertops matters the most. Homeowners using granite worktops might have lots of questions regarding the use of countertops in the times of coronavirus. This content talks about a few questions on granite stone surface hygiene and the survival of coronavirus on stone surfaces.
Granite Surface is Hygienic
These days, hygiene is the prime concern among all, especially the kitchen. It is the place where granite worktops or countertops are likely to get affected fast by the virus. One of the best benefits of using granite worktops is that these kitchen tops are least likely to invite viruses. That is why granite stone surface is the best option among all other ceramic or porcelain tiles. The thing that makes granite first choice for kitchen tops in times of coronavirus is its surface that has minimal joint connections and lesser grout lines. So, it has fewer chances of water ponding in crevices.
Coronavirus survival on granite stone surfaces
“This virus has the capability for remaining viable for days,” says an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UCLA. On the other hand, the World Health Organization estimated the survival time of the virus on surfaces can be a few hours to a few days.
It is said that Coronavirus, like SARS and MERS, can survive for up to 9 days. As per various studies, a stone surface can be affected by the presence of a common flu virus up to 48 hours. There are also some researches that show the lifespan of the virus over a week on a stone surface. Moreover, a kitchen temperature over 86 degrees restricts the lifespan of the virus to a shorter time.
Handling a contaminated stone countertop
It is always hard to know if any stone surface is affected by coronavirus or not. As the virus is prevalent around, it is likely that your stone surface is in the grip of the virus. Here, the best thing you can do is handing a granite surface properly. In case you have a contaminated granite stone surface, killing the virus is the best measure to have a virus-free surface. It can be easily done with standard household disinfectants with 62-71% ethanol and 0.5% hydrogen peroxide. As far as touching a contaminated stone surface and getting affected is concerned, it is least likely that a surface can transfer the virus. Interestingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that touching a surface is not supposed to be the cause of virus infection.
Disinfecting a natural stone surface
The above paragraph indicates that the probability of viral infection via a stone surface is least likely. Sneezing and coughs can be big causes of viral spreading from person to person. Some people believe that sparing and wiping a disinfectant will not help you. Here, the main thing is how you do you use sanitizing solutions. It is known that spraying disinfectant will not kill the virus. For better results, it is vital that you allow disinfectant to stay on the countertop for 3-5 minutes. Homeowners can make their own disinfectant using alcohol and water. First, spray the disinfectant on the granite surface top until the surface gets wet. Wait for 3-5 minutes and clean the granite stone surface with water and dry the surface with a microfiber cloth.
Granite hygiene matters the most for keeping you away from the reach of Covid-19. That is why cleaning the countertop daily is vital. Using disinfectants can make a big difference. Remember that non-porous surfaces are the best for kitchen tops. Hence, granite tops make a big difference as they don’t allow moisture or dirt to pierce into the granite stone surface. Performing granite countertops made from cutter slabs or tiles look more suitable for kitchen applications.
Keeping the changing scenario of Covid-19 pandemic, Indian granite suppliers can help all B2B buyers get commercial, standard, and premium quality granite products as per their changing needs.