When you think of hospital hygiene, you likely think of instrument sterilization and scrubs. These measures are important, but keeping a hospital clean takes more than washing scalpels and wearing fresh clothes. It involves intense labor, evolving regulations and even something as small as what countertops are used. All of these factors, big and small, contribute to the hospital’s cleanliness and protect the health of patients and caregivers.
Choosing the right hospital or clinic countertop does more than just contribute to a healthier environment. It can also enhance the feel of the space, signaling comfort, resilience and sophistication to everyone who sees it. With quartz countertops, you don’t have to pick and choose — you can have a surface that is nonporous, good-looking and easy to clean.
Those aren’t the only strengths of quartz countertops, however.
The Appeal of Quartz Countertops
Before we get into the strengths of quartz countertops for clinics and healthcare facilities specifically, let’s take a look at what makes quartz such a great material for countertops in general. Quartz has a rich history and has been used for millennia across industries, and many of the reasons why have stayed the same. When it comes to interior design, quartz is valued because it is:
- Durable: Quartz boasts remarkable durability, measuring a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This resistance to scratches and abrasions makes quartz an excellent countertop material for labs and healthcare facilities. It can survive dropped tools and bumps from equipment without a scratch, whether it’s in a kitchen or a hospital.
- Customizable: Quartz is available in a number of colors and styles, meaning it can be customized to match your space. Corian® quartz, for instance, comes in four types, and each type has several color options. This versatility makes quartz an excellent material for those wanting to improve the look of their countertops.
- Low-maintenance: Quartz countertops are scratch-resistant and don’t require regular resealing. These factors can save you both time and money in the long run compared to other materials. They also preserve the countertop’s sheen and aesthetic, which is especially important in public-facing spaces.
Together, these factors make quartz a popular choice for hospital and office countertops. In these settings, quartz’s unique mixture of beauty and practicality can tie a room together without sacrificing function or convenience.
The Benefits of Quartz Countertops in Healthcare
When it comes to the medical countertop specifically, cleanliness is key. The surface must help to protect both the patients and the staff from illness and infection. The countertop also contributes to the atmosphere of the space. It sets a mood and is often one of the first things visitors see and interact with when they enter the hospital.
Quartz countertops excel in these areas because they are:
- Hygienic: Quartz countertops are smooth and nonporous. What this means is that they do not have microscopic holes dotted across their surface. As a result, spills, bacteria and mold cannot sink into the countertop. Still, as a high-touch surface, it should be cleaned at least once a day to keep it germ-free.
- Professional: In a hospital setting, where people are often experiencing intense emotions, it’s important to offer comfort wherever possible. Architecture and interior design can support these efforts in very real ways. Quartz, for example, is durable in form and complex in appearance. That unique combination can promote a sense of reliability and intelligence, almost embodying the hospital as an institution. It has a professional air that something like laminate might not be able to communicate as well.
- Versatile: Each quartz countertop has a unique pattern, yet each one also matches its siblings in overall style. Quartz countertops also work well in a variety of settings, from clinics to cafeterias. When they’re spread out like this, quartz countertops can give a hospital a sense of continuity without making every room look the same.
While the best medical countertop material is subjective, quartz is certainly an effective option. Its durability and nonporous surface help to keep the hospital safe and functional, and you can choose from many color and style options to match the look of your hospital. You can even customize the shape and size of the countertop so that it fits in awkward, tight or unconventional spaces.
Keeping Quartz Countertops Clean
Healthcare facilities follow strict hygiene protocols to keep patients, visitors and staff safe from infection and disease. The material you choose for your countertops can contribute to that fight, but eventually, you will have to clean. Even nonporous quartz countertops can’t clean themselves. With that idea in mind, let’s go over some basic procedures you can use to keep quartz countertops clean.
- Use proper cleaning materials: Washing with soap and water can be enough in some settings, but hospitals are different. Quartz cleaner and bleach-free kitchen cleaner can be more effective at cleaning quartz than soap and water, but ultimately, hospital staff should rely on the cleaners and sanitizers mandated by the hospital and local authorities. Wax and bleach should not be used on quartz, however, because they can warp and damage its appearance.
- Clean countertops daily: During the day, hospital countertops can be exposed to spills and germs. As such, it’s important to clean them daily so that they don’t spread those germs around the hospital.
- Clean spills immediately: Quartz can stain if things like soda or oil aren’t cleaned off of it, so be sure to dry and clean the surface if a spill occurs. Quick cleaning also protects the broader community that interacts with the countertop.
These simple steps can help preserve and clean your quartz countertops, no matter the context. In healthcare settings, however, you should always adhere to the hygiene standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your hospital. By combining the two, you can preserve both the quartz itself and the health of the local community.
Quartz Countertop Installation in Central Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for medical countertops in central PA, H.H. Ross is here to help. We offer a wide variety of medical countertop designs, including Corian and Cambria quartz. Our 60 years of experience give us the skills and know-how to fabricate and install high-quality surfaces that are customized to fit your needs. We can alter size, color and shape, creating the perfect countertop for your healthcare facility.
To learn more, request a free quote today or call us at 717-626-6268. We can’t wait to work with you!
