As people continue to navigate the pandemic, cleanability remains top of mind. Formica Corp. has released new research that details how much COVID-19 has affected homeowners’ cleaning preferences. The survey found that while 71 percent of homeowners are deep cleaning their countertops once a week or more, most still don’t feel confident their surfaces are actually clean after doing so.
“The pandemic has made us more aware than ever of the importance of cleaning the surfaces we touch frequently,” said Gerri Chmiel, residential design lead at Formica Corp. “This has brought up questions about the right way to sanitize surfaces and leaves homeowners concerned if they’re really getting rid of germs and protecting their families.”
Drawn to Disinfect, Yet Craving Certainty
- A majority (57%) of homeowners clean their surfaces more frequently than they did before the pandemic, but this is especially prevalent among those under 40, with 81% deep cleaning their countertops (i.e., with more than just soap and water) once a week or more
- Parents in particular are deep-cleaning more frequently, with 41% of parents deep cleaning their countertops once a day or more, compared to 22% of child-free homeowners
- Despite more time spent disinfecting, more than two-thirds (67%) of homeowners still aren’t sure their countertops are germ-free after they clean them. For parents, this number increases to 76%. For homeowners under 40, it increases to 78%
On the Rise: Laminate and Nonporous Surfaces
- Ninety-three percent of designers recommend laminate more often than they did previously, citing ease of care and durability as key reasons
- Nearly all homeowners (97%) agree it would be useful to have a nonporous surface in their home because these surfaces are inherently resistant to water, other liquids and bacteria. Similarly, 99% of designers say they are now more likely to recommend nonporous materials to their clients than they were prior to the pandemic
“We’re seeing designers ask more questions about the durability of the surfaces they recommend to their clients, including how easy those surfaces are to clean and maintain over time,” said Chmiel. “At the same time, designers are seeking stylish solutions that feel fresh and on-trend.”
