How do products with Microban antimicrobial protection work?
Microban inhibits the growth of microorganisms. A technical description of the process: when microbes come in contact with the product surface, Microban protection penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism and disrupts cell functions making the microorganism unable to function, grow and reproduce.

What benefit do I get from products with Microban antimicrobial protection?
Microban protection continuously fights the growth of microbes that can cause stains, odors and product degradation. Microban protection makes the products in your home easier to clean and keeps them cleaner between cleanings.

What types of microorganisms does Microban protection work against?
Microban antimicrobial protection is effective against most common bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungi that cause stains, odors and product degradation. Microban technology is not designed to protect users from disease causing microorganisms.

How do I know that Microban antimicrobial product protection is safe?
Microban technology has undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and has a long history of safe use. It is registered with the EPA for all applications in which it is used. Microban additives can be found in leading consumer, industrial and medical products around the world.

Does Microban protection begin working immediately?
Yes, Microban protection begins to work as soon as the microorganism comes into contact with the product surface, and it then works continuously.

How long does Microban® antimicrobial protection work?
Microban protection is built-in during the manufacturing process—becoming part of the molecular structure of Silestone, and will not wash off or wear away.

Has anyone ever gotten sick from using products with Microban antimicrobial protection?
Extensive testing and a long use history have shown Microban product protection to be safe. While it is impossible to say that no one will ever experience an allergic reaction to Microban, it is highly unlikely a negative experience would be observed. Microban additives are used in very low levels measured in parts per million.

Does the use of antimicrobials cause resistant strains of microorganisms?
No. After more than 30 years of use in numerous consumer, industrial and medical applications around the world, there has been no evidence of resistant strain development.

Some doctors claim some dirt is actually good for us. Are we going too far with this antimicrobial protection?
No. There are millions of microorganisms in our environment. What Microban does is inhibit the growth of only the bacteria that comes in contact with Silestone natural quartz creating a surface that is cleaner between cleanings.

About Silestone with Microban…

How is Microban incorporated into Silestone?
Microban protection is built-in to Silestone during the manufacturing process and remains active throughout the life of the product.

Can I get Microban put into Silestone if it is already installed in my home?
No. Microban can only be integrated into the product during the manufacturing process.

What does Silestone with Microban do?
Microban provides continuous antimicrobial cleaning action that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew that cause stains and odors.

Is there anything wrong with the Silestone currently on the market without Microban?
Absolutely not. Silestone is non-porous and therefore any bacteria that make it onto the surface remain on the surface and are easy to eliminate. Silestone with Microban now will fight bacteria as well, keeping the surface even cleaner.

Do I still have to clean my Silestone countertop?
Yes. Microban is added protection against microbes and it makes cleaning Silestone even easier.

Will the Microban® in my Silestone® wash or wear away with time?
No. Microban antimicrobial protection is built into the Silestone manufacturing process for the life of the countertop—or any other Silestone application.

Does any other countertop, vanity top or other quartz surface contain Microban?
No. Silestone has an exclusive agreement with Microban International and it the ONLY surface in the world to offer antimicrobial protection.

Will Silestone with Microban be available in all colors that Silestone currently offers?
Yes.

When will Silestone with Microban be available?
Manufacturing of Silestone with Microban began in February 2005. It will take some months to have all colors of Silestone available with Microban. We recommend distributors rotate product to ensure replacement of inventory with protected slabs, which will feature the Microban name on the back of the slab for easy identification.

I thought Silestone was already resistant to bacteria, why add Microban?
Silestone IS a SUPERIOR countertop. Indeed, Silestone is non-porous, so, even without Microban, it does not harbor the growth of bacteria. On a porous countertop surface, bacteria can grow from within the product and contaminate your countertop surface. Because Silestone is a dense, non-porous material, spills remain on the surface and are easy to wipe off; making Silestone both highly stain-resistant and hygienic.