Door hardware is one of those smaller details that often make a big difference to the flow and functionality of an interior space or entryway. Commonly used every day, keeping them clean can be a challenging task, particularly in high-traffic environments such as hospitals and schools.
Under the right conditions, bacteria can survive and thrive on door handles, leading to low levels of cleanliness and early product degradation. Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered more than 1,000 different bacteria colonies on 27 door handles around the college campus. A second study conducted across hospital wards and departments in a busy city hospital identified a significant correlation between the levels of microbial growth found on door handles and their frequency of use, especially amongst lever handles and pull handles. This was further supported by a separate study conducted by Researcher Charles Gerba at the University of Arizona who put a virus on a push plate in an office and found within 4 hours, it ended up on over half of people’s hands and surfaces.
Whilst the consideration of design and location can help reduce direct contact, it’s impossible to keep door handles 100% free from bacteria, germs and viruses in the real-world. Plus use of harsh cleaning chemicals can contribute to the wear-and-tear of the product, further reducing it’s usable lifetime.
Get A Handle On Bacteria
Microban® antimicrobial technologies can be integrated into a range of exterior and interior door handles including levers and knobs, providing a long-term robust solution without compromising on appearance and performance.
Where infection control and prevention is a key concern, leading brands and manufacturers have already recognised the added value of incorporating antimicrobial technologies into high-frequency touch products to help reduce the spread of surface bacteria. For example, medical equipment and components within hospitals. Similarly with door handles, protecting the product in this way can limit the cross-contamination of microbes and provide consumers with added peace of mind.
Watch the video below to hear from Kwikset, the first residential lock manufacturer to offer door hardware with Microban® antimicrobial product protection:
How Long Does Antimicrobial Protection Work on Door Handles?
Built-in to the product during manufacture, Microban antimicrobial protection provides an additional defence against product-damaging microbes that does not wash off or wear away. The technology continues to work 24/7 and for the usable lifetime of the treated handle.
This alongside regular cleaning protocols ensures that antimicrobial door handles can stand up against bacteria, mould, and mildew and in doing so, ease cleanliness anxieties in both domestic and commercial environments.
Which Environments Can Benefit From Antimicrobial Door Handles?
Engineered to meet increasing hygiene regulations, antimicrobial door handles are a bonus feature that can be added to a range of different buildings, including both residential and commercial. This includes:
- Hospitals, care homes and doctors surgeries
- Schools and universities
- Restaurants and foodservice facilities
- Offices, including flexible workspaces
- Shopping centres
- Residential houses and apartments
What Are the Key Benefits of Built-In Antimicrobial Technology for Door Handles?
Keeps the door handle hygienically cleaner and fresher in-between cleans
Helps reduce the risk of microbial cross-contamination
Improves product durability
Provides added peace of mind for consumers
Suitable for use on door handles used in hygiene-sensitive environments
Has a long history of safe and effective use
