In every home, office, or shared space, there are areas that often go unnoticed but can quickly become hotspots for bacteria and viruses: high-touch surfaces. These points, touched countless times throughout the day, are one of the main pathways for transmitting common illnesses such as colds, the flu, and even more serious infections.
Keeping them clean and properly disinfected not only helps your space look spotless, but also protects the health of your family and guests.
What Are High-Touch Surfaces?
High-touch surfaces are the objects and areas we use most frequently during the day. Some of the most common include:
- Door handles and window latches
- Light switches
- Faucets and water taps
- Remote controls, cell phones, tablets, and keyboards
- Dining tables, desks, and countertops
- Appliance buttons and elevator panels
Because they are used constantly by multiple people, these surfaces accumulate a large number of germs invisible to the eye.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?
A common mistake is thinking that cleaning is enough. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and stains, while disinfecting kills bacteria and viruses.
To truly reduce risks, it’s best to combine both: first clean to remove debris, then disinfect with the right product to ensure lasting protection.
Recommended Products for Effective Disinfection
- Safe homemade solutions: 70% alcohol or a diluted bleach solution (in the correct proportion).
- Natural ingredients: vinegar can help reduce bacteria on certain surfaces, though it doesn’t fully replace a certified disinfectant.
Important tip: never mix products such as bleach and ammonia—this combination releases toxic gases that are harmful to your health.
How Often Should You Disinfect?
- Daily: cell phones, keyboards, faucets, remote controls
- Several times a week: door handles and light switches
- Weekly: tables, desks, and shared appliances
The key is to observe which surfaces you touch most often and adjust the frequency to your daily routine.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Wash your hands before starting.
- Wipe away dust or dirt with a clean, damp cloth.
- Apply the appropriate disinfectant.
- Allow the product to sit for the recommended time on the label.
- Wipe dry with a clean cloth if necessary.
This process only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference in preventing illness.
Extra Tips
- Use reusable microfiber cloths for a streak-free finish.
- Don’t forget personal items like bags, keys, and credit cards.
- Create a “coming home” routine: disinfect your phone and keys before entering the rest of your house.
Conclusion
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces is a simple, quick habit with a huge impact on your family’s health. Making it part of your routine reduces the risk of illness and keeps your home safer for everyone.
And if you want to take it a step further, Professionally Cleaned 808 offers professional deep-cleaning services to complement your daily hygiene routines. Contact us today, and let’s keep your home spotless and healthy!
