COVID-19: What started as whispers on social media has quickly and alarmingly, blossomed into a worldwide pandemic. As Coronavirus scares continue to grow, we’re all looking for ways to keep clean and healthy. One way to avoid spreading disease and bacteria in your home is by using antimicrobial hardware. Antimicrobial products contain an agent that inhibits the ability of microorganisms to grow on the surface of a material. Common metals like copper and silver also have antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacteria and viruses from growing. We touch hardware so often in a given day, that having antimicrobial hardware can make a big impact.
Antimicrobial Smoke Seal
A popular product that can be introduced to your home to prevent the spread of viruses, bacteria and mold is antimicrobial smoke gasketing. Regular smoke gasketing is used to seal out smoke in case of a fire. It mounts with adhesive backing to the inside of a door frame and compresses when the door is closed to seal the gap between the door and the frame. Antimicrobial smoke gasketing doubles as a smoke seal, but is also coated with “Microshield”, a silver-based antimicrobial additive, which prevents viruses and bacteria from sticking and eventually passing through the opening into your home. Regular smoke gasketing is around $20 per door while the antimicrobial version is around $50-$60 per door.
Antimicrobial smoke seal will help seal out bacteria and viruses from openings in your home, but there are other ways to help prevent the spread of disease, as well. Your door and cabinet hardware can also be antimicrobial. You probably don’t realize how many times we all touch door and cabinet hardware in a given day, but it’s a ton. Cabinet and door hardware is a hot spot for germs since they’re so frequently used, and often touched by more than one person. There’s not a ton of options for antimicrobial handles, but we’ll go over what is available.
Antimicrobial Hardware For Doors and Cabinets
Hardware to keep in mind for long-term home cleanliness are products made with genuine 304 and 316-grade stainless steel; like Sugatsune and Linnea’s cabinet and door hardware. 304 and 316-grade stainless steel is detrimental to pathogens. “Unlike most other material, stainless steel does not allow a majority of viruses and other pathogens to survive and last long on its surface”. That’s why most commercial kitchens use stainless steel. Be warned, however – while there are grades of stainless steel that are antimicrobial like 304 and 316-grade, not all stainless steel products are antimicrobial.
Colonial Bronze also has a special line of cabinet hardware called “Antimicrobial Copper Touch Surfaces” that is coated with an antimicrobial surface. This collection is not currently sold online but can be special ordered. If you’re interested, contact our customer service line toll-free at (800) 708-6649 and we can provide options to help you place an order. This hardware is made-to-order and takes about 6-8 weeks before the product will ship.
Antimicrobial Hardware for the Bathroom
Seachrome and Invisia are both manufacturers that carry antimicrobial bathroom products. You most likely have seen their grab-bar products before, or at least a similar product in public bathrooms, locker-rooms, and hotels. If you’re planning on retiring in the home your in, it’s worth considering installing grab bars in the shower and by the toilet to help move around. They’re ADA compliant and also antimicrobial which is even more important in bathrooms where bacteria tends to grow.
Antimicrobial Metals
Besides antimicrobial products, you may also search for antimicrobial metals. Copper and its alloys, such as brasses, bronzes, cupronickel, and more, are natural antimicrobial materials. Self-sanitation of copper has been known since Ancient Egypt, where it was used to sterilize wounds and drinking water. You can bring style and health into your home with Copper products, such as cabinet knobs and pulls and towel rings; healthy doesn’t mean sterile-looking!
Hopefully, the COVID-19 madness will be over soon, but the need to be prepared for future outbreaks will still exist. Hand-sanitation and dousing your home and work stations in Lysol is the last defense. It’s smart to be ready for an ill-attack before it happens, and invest in products that are continuously working for you and your health.
Above all, if you have any questions, please reach out to us or connect with us on Facebook.
