Top 5 High-Touch Surfaces You’re Forgetting to Clean

When it comes to keeping your home clean, some areas are obvious—countertops, floors, and bathrooms usually get the most attention. But what about the top high-touch surfaces to clean that often go unnoticed? Light switches, door handles, and remote controls are touched multiple times a day, making them breeding grounds for bacteria and germs.

At MyClean, we know that true cleanliness goes beyond what meets the eye. Tackling these overlooked hotspots can make a big difference in maintaining a healthier home. Let’s dive into the top five high-touch surfaces you’re probably forgetting to clean and why they deserve a place in your routine.

1. Light Switches

Light switches are one of the most frequently touched surfaces in any home, yet they’re often ignored in regular cleaning routines. Think about how many times a day you flip a switch on or off—now multiply that by every member of your household. Since light switches are used by multiple people, they can easily accumulate bacteria, dirt, and even oils from our hands.

Studies have shown that high-touch surfaces like light switches can harbor bacteria and viruses for extended periods if not cleaned properly. This is especially concerning during cold and flu season when germs spread quickly. The good news? Cleaning light switches is quick and easy.

To keep them germ-free, simply wipe them down with a disinfecting wipe or spray a microfiber cloth with a gentle disinfectant. Avoid spraying liquid directly onto the switch to prevent electrical issues. Aim to clean them at least once a week, or more frequently if someone in your home is sick.

2. Door Handles and Cabinet Knobs

How many times a day do you grab a doorknob or open a cabinet? Probably more than you realize. Every time you touch these surfaces, you transfer bacteria, oils, and dirt from your hands. If you’ve just come in from outside, touched your phone, or prepared food, you’re spreading whatever’s on your hands onto these frequently used spots.

Door handles, cabinet knobs, and drawer pulls are some of the most commonly overlooked high-touch surfaces, even though they’re hotspots for contamination. In homes with multiple occupants, these surfaces can become germ reservoirs, passing bacteria from one person to another without anyone realizing it.

To keep them clean, use a disinfecting wipe or a cloth with an antibacterial cleaner at least once or twice a week. For metal handles, you can also use a vinegar and water solution to remove fingerprints and grime. Don’t forget about less obvious areas, like the knobs on your dresser or nightstand—those accumulate dust and bacteria, too.

3. Remote Controls

Your remote control is likely one of the dirtiest objects in your home. Think about it—everyone touches it, often while eating, lounging on the couch, or even when they’re sick. Studies have found that remotes can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat, making them a major high-touch surface that deserves regular cleaning.

Crumbs, dust, and dirt accumulate in the small crevices of remote controls, creating the perfect environment for germs to thrive. If multiple people in your household use the same remote, bacteria can spread even more easily.

To clean a remote control properly, remove the batteries first. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean the buttons and outer casing. For stubborn dirt, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to get into the small spaces around the buttons. Make it a habit to disinfect your remotes weekly, especially during flu season.

4. Refrigerator Handles

Your refrigerator handle is one of the most frequently touched surfaces in the kitchen, but when was the last time you cleaned it? Between cooking, grabbing snacks, and handling raw food, fridge handles quickly become coated with germs, grease, and food particles. Since we often touch the fridge handle while preparing meals, any bacteria from raw meat or unwashed produce can easily transfer to this surface.

According to studies, kitchen surfaces can harbor some of the highest levels of bacteria in the home, with refrigerator handles being one of the biggest culprits. Cleaning this surface regularly is essential to maintaining food hygiene.

To clean your refrigerator handle, use a disinfectant spray or wipe daily, especially after meal prep. If there are sticky spots or buildup, a mixture of warm water and dish soap will help remove residue before disinfecting. This simple habit can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen cleaner and safer.

5. Cell Phones and Tablets

We carry our phones everywhere—our beds, our desks, even the bathroom. In fact, studies show that smartphones can carry ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Since we constantly touch our phones throughout the day, they are a major source of germs and bacteria.

Phones and tablets come into contact with dirty hands, facial oils, makeup, and even food. If you’re using your phone while eating or cooking, bacteria from surfaces can transfer onto the screen. Then, when you press the phone to your face or use it with unwashed hands, you’re spreading those germs back onto yourself.

To clean your phone, use a microfiber cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or a screen-safe disinfecting wipe. Avoid using too much liquid to prevent damage. Clean your phone and tablet at least once a day—especially after being in public places like the subway or a coffee shop.

Conclusion

It’s easy to overlook these top high-touch surfaces to clean, but keeping them disinfected is essential for a healthier home. Light switches, door handles, remote controls, refrigerator handles, and phones accumulate germs quickly and can contribute to the spread of bacteria if not cleaned regularly. By adding these areas to your cleaning routine, you can create a more hygienic and comfortable living environment.

At MyClean, we understand that life gets busy, and deep cleaning every high-touch surface isn’t always at the top of your to-do list. That’s why our professional cleaning services take care of the details for you. With easy scheduling, reliable service, and a commitment to quality, we ensure that your home stays spotless and germ-free—so you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier space without the hassle. Ready for a deep clean that covers all the top high-touch surfaces to clean in your home? Book your MyClean service today and experience the convenience of a truly clean home.