Maintaining a clean and hygienic home is essential for the health and well-being of its occupants. Certain areas within a house are frequently touched and can harbour a significant amount of germs and bacteria. These high-contact areas should be prioritised during your cleaning routine to prevent the spread of illness and maintain a healthy environment. Here are the key high-contact areas within a house that should be regularly cleaned.
1. Door Handles and Light Switches
Door handles and light switches are among the most frequently touched surfaces in any home. Every time someone enters or leaves a room, they typically touch these areas, making them hotspots for germs.
- Cleaning Tip: Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with an antibacterial cleaner to wipe down door handles and light switches daily.
2. Kitchen Surfaces
The kitchen is a high-traffic area, and its surfaces are constantly being touched and used. Key areas include:
- Countertops: Food preparation can leave bacteria and other contaminants on countertops.
- Cupboard Handles: Frequently touched by multiple people, often with unwashed hands.
- Appliance Handles: Refrigerator, microwave, and oven handles are commonly touched, especially when cooking.
- Cleaning Tip: Clean these surfaces with a kitchen-safe disinfectant after each use, and ensure handles are wiped down regularly.
3. Bathroom Fixtures
Bathrooms are another area where cleanliness is paramount. High-contact areas include:
- Taps and Faucets: Touched before and after washing hands, making them prime spots for germs.
- Toilet Handles: Frequently touched and can easily become contaminated.
- Shower Handles and Controls: Regularly touched, especially when adjusting the water temperature.
- Cleaning Tip: Use a disinfectant cleaner on these fixtures daily, paying extra attention to toilet handles and taps.
4. Remote Controls and Electronics
Remote controls, game controllers, and other electronic devices are frequently used by multiple household members, often without washing hands first.
- Cleaning Tip: Wipe down remote controls and electronics with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a suitable cleaner regularly. Be careful to avoid excess moisture, which can damage electronic components.
5. Handrails and Bannisters
If your home has stairs, the handrails and bannisters are high-contact areas that should not be overlooked.
- Cleaning Tip: Wipe down handrails and bannisters with a disinfectant solution at least once a day, especially if multiple people use the stairs frequently.
6. Shared Devices and Phones
Mobile phones, tablets, and other shared devices can be significant carriers of germs, as they are often used throughout the day and rarely cleaned.
- Cleaning Tip: Clean these devices with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics. Encourage family members to wash their hands before and after using shared devices.
7. Furniture and Upholstery
Items such as armrests, sofa cushions, and dining chairs are frequently touched areas that can accumulate germs.
- Cleaning Tip: Regularly vacuum upholstered furniture and wipe down hard surfaces with a suitable cleaner. Consider using a fabric-safe disinfectant spray for added protection.
Conclusion
Identifying and regularly cleaning the highest contact areas within your home is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. By focusing on these frequently touched surfaces and incorporating them into your daily cleaning routine, you can significantly reduce the spread of germs and ensure a cleaner, safer home for you and your family.
