September 21, 2021 Use Antimicrobial Coatings to Protect from Bacteria

Especially in kitchens, you find lots of bacteria. With antimicrobial coatings, cleaning is much faster and the workplace more hygienic.

The kitchen: a place full of bacteria and how we can protect ourselves

With a well-kept, clean kitchen, we feel more comfortable and safe. After all, food is supposed to pamper the palate and not make us sick. Even in an apparently hygienically clean kitchen, there are plenty of bacteria and viruses. Here we show antimicrobial coatings and other measures against unwanted viruses and bacteria.

1. Bacteria in the kitchen

Bacteria and viruses are found everywhere in our environment. In the kitchen, the concentration is particularly high, as they use food and its residues as breeding grounds. Due to the resistance of the potential pathogens, cleaning the surfaces is a challenge. This can become a problem that can be solved with antimicrobial coatings.

1.1. Which bacteria can be found in the kitchen?

A large number and variety of bacteria and viruses are present in the kitchen. Among them are:

• Campylobacter
• Ehec
• Escherichia coli
• Listeria
• Salmonella
• Staphylococcus aureus

1.2. What impact could they have?

A brief placement on the worktop or next to the sink is sufficient for food to have the germs on it. Even open storage in the refrigerator is not advisable for this reason. Possible consequences of the bacteria are:

• Stomach upsets
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Food spoils more quickly
• Discolouration of surfaces

So even with frequent cleaning and proper food preparation, microbes pose a risk. Antimicrobial coatings can already lay a good foundation here to reduce the potential risks.

2. Various options for a bacteria-free work surface in the kitchen

Antimicrobial coatings, but also other measures, can ensure that germs can spread only poorly in the kitchen and that the number remains low as a result. A combination of the above-mentioned possibilities is ideal.

2.1. Using antimicrobial coatings 

The best way for long-term protection and against the spread of bacteria as well as other microbes are antimicrobial coatings. Suitable for the kitchen are, for example:

• Nanoflex Optiperl 45
• Nanoflex Antifog WB
• Nanoflex Ultra and Nanoflex Polish

Cleaning still has to be carried out, but it is quicker and requires less effort. It can also be made more environmentally friendly by using heat instead of chemicals. This is because antimicrobial coatings have a high heat resistance.

2.2. Hygienic cleanliness

A completely bacteria-free kitchen cannot be achieved with ordinary cleaning products. However, the number of microbes can be reduced. The list shows what is important.

1. Do not store food openly: opened packages are like petri dishes. Contained food moulds faster, dries out and attracts bacteria. It is therefore better to store food in glass jars with tight-fitting lids.
2. Dry cleaning utensils properly; clean and change them frequently: sponges, rags, dishwashing brushes and dishcloths must be cleaned properly after use and allowed to dry thoroughly. Hot water and antimicrobial detergents work well. Dishcloths should be washed after one week.
3. Do not interrupt the cold chain: Especially with meat and fish, it is important that the cold chain is maintained. Otherwise, existing microbes can spread rapidly. This makes it all the more important to get them into the fridge quickly.
4. Avoid wooden and plastic boards: Wooden or plastic chopping boards and utensils may be practical and look good. However, they quickly become scratched, show cut marks and can no longer be cleaned thoroughly. In addition, wood softens and becomes a breeding ground.
5. Use hot water: The sink and other non-sensitive surfaces can be cleaned with hot water. This reduces the bacterial load.
6. Use antimicrobial cleaners: They have an efficient effect against bacteria and viruses, and are therefore more suitable than commercial agents from the supermarket.

Antimicrobial coatings and the listed procedures in combination ensure reliable cleanliness.

3. Why antimicrobial coatings make sense

Whether impregnation spray, ceramic sealing or nano sealing — antimicrobial coatings are useful in any case. They are also available in various forms and can be easily renewed if necessary. Above all, they ensure hygienic cleanliness in the kitchen.

3.1. Antimicrobial coatings: What are the characteristics?

The exact properties depend on the respective product. However, often these are:

• Killing microbes
• Increased resistance to heat and chemical influences as well as moisture
• easier cleaning due to dirt-repellent effect
• Material does not fog up
• inhibits mould and odours
• Scratch protection

3.2. Advantages 

Dust, grease splashes, acids from vinegar or fruit, crumbs and a cut that goes astray – these occurrences are not uncommon in the kitchen. A nano seal and ceramic seal ensure that cleaning can still be done easily and quickly.
This saves time and effort. If a lot of cooking is done, this is a decisive advantage.

Cuts no longer cause scratches and the life of the worktop is significantly increased. Even cleaning with hot water or a steam cleaner is possible, as the surfaces are impregnated against moisture and wetness. Even glass can become easier to maintain thanks to antimicrobial coatings. Dust is no longer attracted to it, and fingerprints are easier to remove. With the right coating, glass and other smooth and shiny surfaces also do not fog up.

3.3. Where exactly can antimicrobial coatings be applied in the kitchen?

As long as the appropriate medium is selected, the following items can be coated:

• Worktop
• Cupboard doors and tops of cupboards
• tiles
• Glass inserts
• Metal elements

Since frequent cooking and frying causes a sticky, greasy film to form on all surfaces, it even makes sense to apply the coating to all possible elements.

3.4. Comparison between no coating and antimicrobial coatings

Without a coating, cleaning is much more difficult. Microbes can spread more easily. In addition, the life span of the surfaces is shorter. This is because they are more susceptible to potentially damaging influences and wear out more quickly. If cracks, scratches or indentations are found, these in turn provide breeding grounds for bacteria.

Conclusion

Although the number of microbes in the kitchen can also be kept low by taking appropriate measures, antimicrobial coatings are the better and safer choice. There are only two factors to consider when choosing: Firstly, the coating must be suitable for the materials and the use. Secondly, antimicrobial coatings need to be renewed depending on wear and tear. Nevertheless, the total cost of this is less than extensive cleaning.

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