New antimicrobial fabric treatments inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses to provide cleaner furniture in commercial areas.
Many people know that commercial furniture should be easy to clean and sanitize, but did you know that some hardwood furniture is made in a way that makes it cleaner and less likely to spread infections?
Furniture can absorb microorganisms like bacteria, mold, and other fungi. This can occur with furniture of all types and materials—from plastics to metal to wood. This is also true of eco-friendly furniture made from naturally porous materials, such as wooden furniture, upholstered cushions, bamboo benches, and rattan chairs. Keeping surfaces clean can be a constant struggle, particularly in high-turnaround environments like restaurants or in settings where high-risk individuals congregate, such as in medical offices and senior living centers.
However, if your property has well-made wooden furniture with a strong antimicrobial finish, that task becomes easier.
Why Choose Holsag by MityLite?
The antimicrobial coating on our chairs is built into the catalyzed lacquer finish. We never charge additional fees for this protective benefit. All wooden chairs, barstools, and benches made by Holsag by MityLite either come with an antimicrobial coating as standard or come in finish options that include an antimicrobial coating. We offer a few wood finishes on two chairs that aren’t compatible with the antimicrobial coating, but these chairs are available in other finishes that do have the antimicrobial coating—more on this later.
But what does this truly mean for you and the people you serve? We’ll break it down for you here.
A Short History of Antimicrobials
The Ancient Egyptians discovered the remarkable cleansing power of antimicrobials more than 2,000 years ago by using specific molds and plant extracts to treat infections. Evidence of this has been found by modern scientists studying uncovered bones from Ancient Egypt.
In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered the immense healing power of a natural antimicrobial fungus known as penicillin. Thus, antibiotics were born, and modern scientists discovered the healing power of antimicrobials.
What is an antimicrobial coating?
Antimicrobials control, destroy, or suppress the growth of microorganisms and their negative effects—such as odor, staining, and deterioration. Antimicrobials do not all work the same. However, most antimicrobials work by leaching or moving microbials from the surface on which they live.
An Antimicrobial Finish Available on Every Chair
Since 2021, every Holsag by MityLite chair can be ordered with a free, antimicrobial finish. This coating inhibits the growth of:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Algae
- Mold
- Mildew
- Some Viruses
- More
A furniture finish that includes an antimicrobial formula prevents the growth of bacteria and some viruses. Products finished with this formula have been proven to be environmentally friendly while protecting the health of those who use the products by preventing the spread of diseases. It also prevents garments from absorbing an unpleasant odor.
Are Antimicrobials Safe?
The EPA has assigned the antimicrobial toxicity rating to the safest category of chemicals. Therefore, they are certified and approved by the EPA for human use.
How is antimicrobial different from antibacterial?
An antibacterial agent destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria cells. An antimicrobial destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms or kills these organisms outright.
While antibacterial agents, such as soap and detergents, prevent the development of bacteria, antimicrobial agents, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and some viruses. This gives antimicrobials a broader scope of protection than the defense provided by antibacterials. In essence, antimicrobials can act as both an antibacterial and an antiparasitic.
Basically, an antibacterial can only target bacteria, while an antimicrobial can kill pathogens or keep them from growing.
What is the process for applying this finish to Holsag by MityLite Chairs?
Our Research & Development and Manufacturing teams worked with suppliers to add an antimicrobial formula to the catalyzed lacquer finish used on Holsag by MityLite wooden chairs, barstools, and benches.
A coat of catalyzed lacquer is sprayed onto the chair frame. The antimicrobial formula has the same shelf life and warranty as the lacquer formula.
Which Holsag by MityLite products do not include the antimicrobial formula in the finish?
Every wooden Holsag by MityLite chair that can accept the antimicrobial coating in the lacquer finish includes it. However, there are a few wood finishes we use on two of our chair models that aren’t compatible with the antimicrobial coating.
All Holsag by MityLite wooden products will come standard with the antimicrobial finish with the exception of these specific finishes on the following chairs:
- Carlo Chair in Black & Orange
- Carlo Chair in Black & Wild Cherry
- Campus 2 Chair in Natural
- Campus 2 Chair in Oak
If you are interested in the Campus 2 Chair and want the antimicrobial coating, simply select a different finish—we offer 20 other wood finish options for that chair that do include the coating. If you wish to purchase the Carlo Chair with the antimicrobial finish, order the Custom Carlo Stacking Chair or the Custom Carlo Armchair in any of the 20 available finishes which include the antimicrobial coating.
What is the best way to clean Holsag by MityLite chair frames to protect the antimicrobial finish?
Holsag by MityLite chairs with an antimicrobial finish can be cleaned and sanitized by using the same process as the other wooden chairs. The antimicrobial finish will last as long as a standard lacquer coating and can be washed in the same way that other hardwood chair frames can be cleaned.
For general cleaning, use a mild solution of soap and water applied with a damp, soft, non-abrasive cloth. Dry the wood immediately because leaving water on the wood for an extended period could damage the finish.
Disinfect the chair frames by using a solution of 1-part bleach (5% sodium Hypochlorite) and 9-parts water applied with a soft cloth. After application, be sure to clean off all the bleach solution with a damp rag and then dry completely.
Get more furniture cleaning and disinfecting tips here.
Does Holsag by MityLite offer antimicrobial fabrics?
Some upholstery includes a finish that includes an antibacterial. Particularly, several types of vinyl and polyurethane upholstery contain a topcoat with a built-in antimicrobial formula. Other upholstery can have an antimicrobial topcoat added for an upcharge.
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