Creating A Safe Environment With Kitchen Silicone

By Author: Andrew Richards
Total Articles: 32
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Ever popular at parties, our kitchens are the heart of our homes. Sadly kitchens aren't just popular with the human inhabitants of the home, but provide the environment of choice for many harmful bacteria. Environmental Health Authorities have strict regulations for commercial kitchens, which help to guard against infection and food-poisoning. It makes sense to ensure that our own kitchens are clean, hygienic and as bacteria resistant as possible.

Regular and thorough cleaning will always be the key to combating the spread of bacteria and the other micro-organisms that can be found around the home, and especially in kitchens. In addition to good hygiene practices there are other ways in which to ensure kitchens are resistant to the spread and growth of bacteria. Micro-organisms will love your cooking whatever your abilities! The cracks and joints in surfaces, joints where surfaces meet walls or units meet the floor, are all areas where stray bits of food can gather easily. Sealing these joints to prevent this and create an easy-to-clean surface is absolutely essential.

Modern sealants for kitchens are available ...
... with anti-bacterial agents included in their formula, making them an excellent product to combat against bacteria. At the same time they also provide an excellent seal between joints. Available in easy to apply tubes, they provide a great solution complete your kitchen and reduce the chances of bacteria developing the first place.

Kitchen silicone is usually a clear, highly transparent material, meaning that it will blend into just about any design without being noticeable. As it is easy to apply, you don't need to be a DIY expert to add this finish touch.

Before applying kitchen silicone ensure that the surface that you are working on has been thoroughly cleaned and is dust and dirt free. Also ensure that the surface has dried completely. Tubes of silicone will be supplied with an ‘easy-applicator' nozzle and are best used with a decorators' gun. Cut the end of the nozzle at a slight angle, approximately 45 degrees and fit it onto the tube, finally fitting the tube into the gun. Using a very a light pressure, try to apply the silicone in one single stroke for each section you are sealing. This will ensure a smooth bead of silicone. Once applied, the silicone can be smoothed using a fingertip or a small piece of card or plastic; excess material should be cleared away with warm soapy water.

Modern silicones for the kitchen will ‘cure' quickly - usually just a couple of hours - through contact with humidity in the atmosphere. Once applied anti-bacterial kitchen silicone will provide an effective shield against the development and spread of bacteria, it is a strong and durable material which will last for many years. Should repair or replacement be necessary, old silicone can easily be removed and a new application completed.

To guard against the growth and spread of bacteria, Kitchen Silicone should be applied to the joints between surfaces, walls and units throughout the kitchen.