A clean and organized space has been long linked to improved physical and mental health. But can you stop at cleaning? What about disinfecting? It was something we did a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic, but do we still need to do it? 

The short answer is yes. Disinfecting plays an important role in keeping our homes and public spaces clean. It helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment by eliminating harmful pathogens and reducing the risk of infections.  However, there are times and places when disinfecting is more important than others. The key is to prioritize where disinfecting will have the most impact, especially when you don’t have a lot of time. 

High-Touch Surfaces 

High-touch surfaces are among the most critical areas to disinfect regularly. These surfaces come into frequent contact with multiple people, making them hotspots for germs and bacteria. This becomes especially important if someone using the space is sick or immunocompromised. Common high-touch surfaces include: 

• Doorknobs and Handles: These are used countless times throughout the day and can harbor a significant amount of germs. 

• Light Switches: Often overlooked, light switches are touched by almost everyone entering a room. 

• Countertops: Kitchen and bathroom countertops should be disinfected frequently, especially after food preparation or personal grooming activities. 

• Remote Controls: Shared amongst family members or colleagues, remote controls can easily transmit germs. 

• Phones and Tablets: Our electronic devices are constantly in use and can accumulate bacteria quickly. 

Home Environment 

The most important areas in the home to not just clean but disinfect are where germs are most likely to spread. 

• Kitchen Surfaces: Disinfecting countertops, cutting boards, and appliances after use can prevent cross-contamination. 

• Bathroom Fixtures: Regular cleaning of sinks, faucets, and toilet handles is crucial. 

• Children’s Toys: Toys should be disinfected regularly, especially if shared among children. 

Workplace Essentials 

Workplaces are environments where germs can spread quickly due to the high interaction between individuals. Disinfecting workplace essentials helps maintain a healthy work environment. Important workplace items to disinfect include: 

• Desks and Workstations: Daily disinfection can prevent the spread of germs among employees, especially if these spaces are shared. 

• Printers and Copiers: Commonly used by multiple employees, these devices should be disinfected often. 

Public Spaces 

Of course, disinfecting protocols have long been literal life-savers in hospitals, but the need extends beyond these public spaces. Any public spaces that see a lot of foot traffic and can be breeding grounds for pathogens. Regular disinfection of these areas is essential to public health. Key public spaces to disinfect include: 

• Public Transportation: Buses, trains, and subways should have their seats, handles, and touchpoints disinfected frequently. 

• Restrooms: High traffic restrooms need constant disinfection to prevent the spread of germs. 

• Elevators: Buttons and railings in elevators should be cleaned regularly. 

• Shopping Carts and Baskets: These should be disinfected after each use to ensure customer safety. 

Proper Disinfection Techniques 

Understanding proper disinfection techniques ensures that the cleaning process is effective. Here are some tips for effective disinfection: 

• Use an EPA-registered product. 

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application of the product. 

• Clean dirty surfaces before disinfecting. 

• Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the recommended contact time to ensure efficacy. 

• For more tips, see our Disinfecting Guide.  

Disinfection is an essential aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy environment. It can be helpful to make and stick to a schedule to make sure you’re cleaning and disinfecting regularly. Embracing these practices can help ensure a healthier future for yourself and those around you.