How Often to Clean High-Touch Surfaces at Home: A Simple Guide

High-touch surfaces are the unseen hubs of activity in your home. From doorknobs to light switches, these areas are constantly used but often overlooked during routine cleaning. However, keeping these surfaces clean is essential for preventing the spread of germs, especially during flu season or in homes with kids or pets. In this guide, we’ll show you how often you should clean high-touch surfaces, share the best cleaning practices, and explore when it might be time to call in the pros. Ready to transform your cleaning routine?

What Are High-Touch Surfaces?

High-touch surfaces are the areas in your home that are used most frequently throughout the day. These surfaces collect dirt, oils, and bacteria from multiple hands, making them hotspots for germs. Some common examples include:

• Doorknobs and Handles: Interior and exterior doors, cabinet handles, and appliance handles.
• Light Switches: Often overlooked but used daily.
• Electronics: Smartphones, remote controls, laptops, and gaming consoles.
• Furniture Surfaces: Tabletops, armrests, and counters.
• Bathroom Fixtures: Faucet handles, toilet flush levers, and shower knobs.
• Shared Items: Keys, pens, and other household objects.

Because these areas are constantly in use, they require regular cleaning to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses. High-touch surfaces are especially critical to maintain in homes with children, pets, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

How Often Should You Clean High-Touch Surfaces?

Determining the frequency for cleaning high-touch surfaces depends on the level of use and the specific conditions in your home. Here’s a general guideline to help you stay on track:

Daily Cleaning

Certain surfaces benefit from daily cleaning, particularly if they are touched multiple times throughout the day. These include:

• Kitchen counters and appliance handles.
• Bathroom fixtures such as faucets and toilet handles.
• Electronics like smartphones and remote controls.
• Frequently used doorknobs and light switches.

For daily cleaning, use disinfecting wipes or a microfiber cloth dampened with a disinfectant solution. Quick, consistent cleaning ensures germs don’t have time to accumulate.

Weekly Cleaning

Some surfaces can be cleaned weekly, especially if they are not used as frequently or are in lower-traffic areas. Examples include:

• Tabletops or desks used occasionally.
• Windowsills and railings.
• Cabinet handles in less-used spaces like guest rooms or storage areas.

During your weekly cleaning routine, it’s a good idea to combine disinfecting with general dusting and polishing for a thorough clean.

Special Considerations

The frequency of cleaning should be adjusted based on your household’s specific needs. For example:

• Homes with Kids or Pets: Increase cleaning frequency for toys, pet bowls, and other shared items.
• During Illness: Clean high-touch surfaces more frequently if someone in the household is sick to prevent the spread of germs.
• Seasonal Cleaning: During flu season or allergy season, it’s a good idea to clean more rigorously.

Best Practices for Cleaning High-Touch Surfaces

To get the most out of your cleaning efforts, follow these best practices:

1. Use the Right Cleaning Products

Choose disinfectants approved by health authorities, such as EPA-registered solutions, for eliminating bacteria and viruses. Common options include:

• Disinfecting wipes for quick cleanups.
• Diluted bleach solutions (as recommended by manufacturers).
• Alcohol-based cleaners with at least 70% alcohol for electronics.

2. Clean First, Then Disinfect

Cleaning removes dirt and grime, making it easier for disinfectants to do their job. Start with a damp cloth or soapy water for visibly dirty surfaces, then follow up with a disinfectant.

3. Avoid Cross-Contamination

Use separate cleaning cloths or disposable wipes for different areas. For example, never use the same cloth for the bathroom and kitchen.

4. Protect Delicate Surfaces

For materials like wood or sensitive electronics, use products specifically designed for those surfaces to avoid damage. Microfiber cloths are an excellent choice for streak-free cleaning.

5. Follow Product Instructions

Disinfectants need time to work. Always check the label for the recommended “dwell time,” which is the period the product should remain on the surface before being wiped off.

When to Consider Professional Cleaning Services

Even with the best intentions, life gets busy, and maintaining a consistent cleaning routine can become challenging. This is where professional cleaning services like MyClean can step in to help.

Benefits of Professional Services

1. Consistent Quality: Professionals follow strict cleaning protocols, ensuring no high-touch surface is missed.
2. Time-Saving Convenience: Free up your time by leaving the cleaning to experts.
3. Specialized Tools and Products: Professional cleaners use advanced equipment and products that are effective yet safe for your home.
4. Customizable Services: You can schedule deep cleanings as needed or set up recurring appointments for ongoing maintenance.

Situations where professional services are especially helpful include post-holiday cleanups, pre-event preparations, or deep cleaning after illness.

Conclusion

Keeping high-touch surfaces clean is one of the easiest ways to protect your home from germs and bacteria. Whether it’s daily disinfecting or weekly deep cleaning, maintaining these surfaces ensures a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your loved ones.

At MyClean, we understand the importance of a clean and hygienic home. Our services are designed with your convenience in mind, offering easy online booking, reliable cleaners, and the highest standards of quality. With MyClean, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a spotless home—without lifting a finger. Book your next cleaning today and experience the difference!