Keeping your home clean and safe is something we all want, especially when it comes to the surfaces we touch every day. These surfaces, called high-touch surfaces, can carry germs and viruses, making it important to clean and disinfect them regularly. This guide will walk you through simple and effective ways to disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home, helping you protect your family and maintain a healthy living space.
What Are High-Touch Surfaces?
High-touch surfaces are spots in your home that many people touch often throughout the day. Common examples include:
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Doorknobs and door handles
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Light switches
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Faucet handles
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Kitchen and bathroom countertops
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Remote controls and game controllers
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Phones, tablets, and computer keyboards
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Dining tables and chairs
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Toilet handles and seats
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Stair railings
Because these areas get frequent contact, they can easily spread germs if not cleaned properly.
Why Is Disinfecting Important?
Cleaning removes dirt and grime, but disinfecting actually kills germs on surfaces. This is especially important if someone in your home is sick or during cold and flu season. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces helps stop the spread of viruses and bacteria, keeping everyone healthier.
How Often Should You Disinfect?
The frequency depends on your household. If no one is sick, disinfecting high-touch surfaces at least once a day is a good practice. If someone is ill, increase the cleaning to twice a day or more. Also, disinfect after guests visit or after you bring items like groceries or takeout into your home.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these supplies:
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Cleaning cloths or disposable wipes
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Soap and water or a multi-purpose cleaner
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EPA-approved disinfectant spray or disinfecting wipes
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Gloves (optional, but helpful for protection)
Make sure to choose disinfectants that are safe for the surfaces you plan to clean, especially for electronics or delicate materials.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces
1. Clear the Surface
Remove any clutter or items from the area you want to clean. This helps you reach every part of the surface.
2. Clean First
Use soap and water or a regular cleaner to wipe away dirt, dust, and grime. Cleaning first is important because disinfectants work best on clean surfaces.
3. Apply Disinfectant
Use an EPA-approved disinfectant spray or wipes. If using spray, apply enough to keep the surface wet. Follow the instructions on the label carefully—this usually includes how long the disinfectant should stay on the surface (called dwell time) to kill germs effectively.
4. Let It Sit
Allow the disinfectant to remain wet on the surface for the recommended time, usually between 1 to 10 minutes. This step is key to making sure the germs are killed.
5. Wipe or Air Dry
After the dwell time, wipe the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel if the product instructions say so. Some surfaces may be left to air dry. Wiping removes the dead germs and any leftover chemicals.
6. Pay Attention to Details
Don’t forget crevices, edges, and hard-to-reach spots like the backs of door handles or the buttons on remotes. Use a small brush or cotton swab if needed.
7. Wash Your Hands
After finishing, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially if you didn’t wear gloves.
Tips for Disinfecting Electronics
Electronics like phones, tablets, and keyboards need special care. Use alcohol-based wipes with at least 70% alcohol or lightly spray disinfectant on a microfiber cloth before wiping. Avoid spraying directly on the device to prevent damage.
Keep a Routine
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly helps keep your home safe. Set a schedule that fits your lifestyle—daily, every other day, or weekly—and stick to it. Consistency is what keeps germs at bay.
Why Choose Professional Help?
Sometimes, life gets busy, and keeping up with all the cleaning and disinfecting can be overwhelming. That’s where professional cleaning services like Clean2Shine, LLC come in. They offer expert cleaning and disinfecting services tailored to your home’s needs, using safe and effective products that protect your family’s health.
About Clean2Shine, LLC
Clean2Shine, LLC is dedicated to providing top-quality cleaning and disinfecting services. Their trained team uses EPA-approved disinfectants and follows the best practices to ensure your home is spotless and germ-free. Whether you need regular cleaning or a deep disinfecting session, Clean2Shine has you covered.
Contact Clean2Shine, LLC
Ready to make your home shine with cleanliness and safety? Reach out to Clean2Shine, LLC today!
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Website: clean2shinellc.com
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Phone: (253) 294-3060
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Services: Residential cleaning, disinfecting, and more
Let Clean2Shine, LLC take the stress out of cleaning so you can enjoy a healthier home.
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces is a simple but powerful way to keep your home healthy. By following the steps above and staying consistent, you reduce the risk of illness and create a safer space for your family. Remember, clean first, then disinfect, and always follow product instructions for the best results. And if you ever need a helping hand, Clean2Shine, LLC is just a call or click away!
Stay safe and enjoy a sparkling clean home!
Sources: highspeedtraining.co.uk, clean2shinellc.com
Header Image Source: Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash