In today’s health-conscious world, hygiene has taken center stage in our daily lives. While regular handwashing is critical, paying attention to the surfaces we touch frequently throughout the day is equally important. These surfaces, known as high-touch surfaces, can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, making them hotspots for germ transmission.
Whether you manage a home, office, or shared space, incorporating daily disinfection habits can significantly minimize the risk of health problems and create a healthier environment for everyone.
Why Daily Disinfection Matters
Germs can survive on surfaces anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of surface and the pathogen involved. While routine cleaning is helpful, disinfection kills viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of transmission.
This is especially important in households with young children, elderly adults, immunocompromised individuals, or people working in healthcare or customer-facing roles. It’s also critical in shared housing, classrooms, gyms, and offices.
Daily disinfection is no longer just a precaution—it’s become necessary for health and peace of mind.
10 High-Touch Surfaces You Should Be Disinfecting Daily
Here, we will walk you through the top 10 high-touch surfaces you should disinfect daily and offer some essential tips to keep your environment clean and hygienic.
1. Doorknobs and Handles
Doorknobs and handles are among the most frequently touched surfaces in any setting. Whether it’s the front door, bathroom handle, or even cabinet pulls, different hands touch them multiple times a day, sometimes without people even realizing it.
Germs like E. coli, the flu virus, and even COVID-19 can linger on doorknobs for several hours or more. That makes these surfaces a critical point of focus regarding disinfection. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe on all door handles, knobs, and cabinet pulls at least once daily and more often if the area sees high traffic.
2. Light Switches
Light switches are typically touched first thing in the morning and last thing at night—and several times in between. Because they’re often overlooked in regular cleaning routines, they tend to accumulate germs quickly.
Make it a habit to wipe down light switches with a disinfectant cloth or alcohol-based wipe each day. For households or offices with kids or multiple occupants, consider disinfecting twice daily—once in the morning and again in the evening.
3. Mobile Phones and Tablets
Think about all the places your phone has been: bathrooms, gym bags, kitchen counters, restaurants. Your mobile phone might be your dirtiest item, carrying more bacteria than a toilet seat!
Disinfecting your phone and tablet should be part of your daily hygiene routine. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol or pre-moistened electronic-safe disinfectant wipes on a microfiber cloth. Be gentle to avoid damaging screens or ports, and try to clean devices once a day, especially before bedtime or after coming home from outside.
4. Remote Controls
TV and AC remotes are used constantly but rarely cleaned. Whether binge-watching your favorite show or adjusting the thermostat, you spread germs whenever you touch the remote.
First, remove the batteries, then gently wipe the surface using a disinfectant wipe. Be careful not to get the inside wet. For deep cleaning, use a cotton swab for the spaces between buttons. Aim to disinfect these once daily, especially if multiple people use the same remote.
5. Computer Keyboards and Mice
With the rise in remote work, online learning, and gaming, keyboards and mice are among the most touched tools in modern homes and workplaces. They accumulate dirt, food particles, skin oils, and germs.
Use disinfectant wipes safe for electronics or a soft cloth with a light alcohol solution. Remember to turn off or unplug the device first. Compressed air can help remove crumbs and dust. Clean your keyboard and mouse at least once daily, especially if you share your device or eat near it.
6. Bathroom Faucets and Toilet Handles
Bathrooms are obvious breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Faucet handles, toilet flush levers, and even soap dispensers are high-touch points that need daily attention.
Use a bathroom-safe disinfectant and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping for maximum effect. Don’t skip over towel racks or toilet paper holders; these can also be touched with unwashed hands. Cleaning these bathroom areas helps prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses, colds, and viruses.
7. Kitchen Countertops and Appliance Handles
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but also one of the most germ-ridden. Kitchen surfaces get a lot of action between meal prep, grocery unpacking, and everyday traffic.
Wipe down kitchen counters with a food-safe disinfectant, and remember the handles of your fridge, microwave, dishwasher, and cabinets. If your kitchen is frequently used, it’s smart to clean before and after each meal and do a deeper disinfection at the end of the day.
8. Handrails and Staircase Banisters
Handrails and banisters in multi-story homes, apartments, or commercial spaces are used daily but rarely cleaned. This is particularly concerning in public buildings or shared spaces where multiple hands grip them daily.
Use disinfecting wipes or a spray with a microfiber cloth. Include stair railings in your daily cleaning checklist, especially if your home has children or elderly residents who use them frequently.
9. Elevator Buttons and Intercoms
These surfaces are most frequently touched in shared buildings like apartments, hotels, or office complexes. Elevator buttons, intercom panels, and entry keypads see dozens, even hundreds, of touches daily.
Property managers or janitorial staff should ensure these are sanitized multiple times daily, and individuals using them should consider using a tissue or knuckle to press buttons and washing their hands immediately afterward.
10. Shared Office Equipment
In many workplaces, printers, scanners, coffee makers, vending machines, and water dispensers are communal items. Every person who touches these surfaces brings along their own set of germs.
Place hand sanitizer stations nearby and encourage everyone to disinfect before and after use. Cleaning shared office equipment once daily—or between shifts—is essential in reducing the spread of workplace illnesses.
Tips For Effective Disinfection
Use the Right Products: Always use EPA-registered disinfectants proven to kill viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Natural cleaners may smell nice, but aren’t always effective against tougher germs.
Allow Contact Time: For a disinfectant to work properly, you must let it sit for the recommended time listed on the product label—typically between 1 and 10 minutes. Don’t wipe it off too early!
Wear Disposable Gloves: Protect your skin by using disposable gloves when handling strong disinfectants. If you’re sensitive to chemicals, opt for latex-free or reusable rubber gloves.
Avoid Mixing Chemicals: Never mix cleaning products—especially bleach and ammonia—as they can create toxic fumes. Stick to one disinfectant at a time.
Establish a Routine: Create a checklist of your most-used surfaces and assign cleaning duties if you’re in a shared space. Consistency is key—make it part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
Final Thoughts
Staying ahead of germs begins with recognizing the surfaces we touch most often. By disinfecting these top 10 high-touch surfaces daily, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of spreading harmful microbes and contribute to a cleaner, safer environment.
Invest in quality cleaning products, follow smart practices, and make disinfection a daily habit. Whether at home or in the workplace, a few extra minutes each day can make a world of difference in protecting your health and the health of those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I disinfect high-touch surfaces?
It’s recommended that high-touch surfaces be disinfected at least once a day or more frequently in shared or high-traffic environments.
Can I use homemade cleaners to disinfect surfaces?
Some homemade solutions, such as a mix of water and bleach (1:10 ratio) or 70% isopropyl alcohol, can be effective. However, always ensure they’re safe for the surfaces you’re using them on and meet health standards for disinfection.
Do I need to disinfect if I clean regularly?
Cleaning removes dirt and debris, but it doesn’t necessarily kill germs. Disinfection is a separate step specifically targeting pathogens, making it essential for thorough hygiene.