With the sudden notoriety of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), sanitary standards have been placed under intense scrutiny. How could such an aggressive form of drug-resistant bacteria, formerly seen predominantly in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, become a widespread problem affecting even those with normal immune systems?

Outbreaks such as this highlight the need for sanitary measures at home, to halt the spread of cross-contamination. Nowhere is this more important than in the bath, a high-traffic, moisture-rich environment. For clients who worry about these topics, but also require their baths to meet the modern standards of style and luxury, designers must identify the needs of the client and select from a diverse array of sanitary, green and wellness-promoting strategies.

Sanitary Style

Fortunately, creating a germ-hostile environment for a client is easier than ever due to an ever-expanding range of products on the market.

Products with integrated antimicrobials actively fight bacteria on contact, reducing the risk of contracting dangerous bacteria from a contaminated surface. Such persistent agents, like Microban, have been added to a variety of household products, from high chairs to toilet seats to countertops.

Microban, an antimicrobial that works at the cellular level to disrupt key cell functions within bacterial microbes, is a key component of Cosentino’s Silestone natural quartz surfaces. Quartz has long been lauded for its sanitary properties and ease of maintenance since, unlike “natural” stones such as granite, quartz is non-porous and requires no chemical sealing to make it stain resistant. With Silestone, Cosentino sees the built-in antimicrobial protection as adding yet another layer of protection.

Microban has even been added to Laticrete’s SpectraLock grout, so an area once known for collecting mildew and other contanimants can now help to keep the bath cleaner. This grout is not only resistant to stain-causing mold and mildew, but it is Greenguard certified for low-VOC emissions and does not require any additional sealants.

Microban’s antimicrobial chemicals are also an integral part of the UltraSilent vent fan series from Broan-NuTone and CorStone lav sinks, among other products. DuraGuard, another antimicrobial, is integrated in a range of Bemis toilet seats.