How to Clean and Sanitize Your High-Touch Surfaces in 5 Minutes

Keeping your home or office clean and sanitized doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, cleaning high-touch surfaces can be done in just five minutes. Sounds like a dream, right? Let’s make that dream come true by learning how to efficiently and effectively clean surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and phones. Ready to clean like a pro in just a few minutes? Let’s dive in!

Why Cleaning and Sanitizing High-Touch Surfaces is Important

You might be wondering, “Why should I care about cleaning high-touch surfaces?” It’s simple! High-touch surfaces are the breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and germs. Think about it—doorknobs, kitchen countertops, your phone, and even your TV remote are touched multiple times throughout the day. These surfaces are magnets for germs, and cleaning them regularly can help reduce the spread of illnesses.

What Makes Surfaces “High-Touch”?

A high-touch surface is any surface that people frequently interact with in their daily routines. These surfaces can vary depending on your environment, but generally include:

Doorknobs & Handles: Every time you enter or exit a room, you’re touching doorknobs.
Light Switches: They’re constantly turned on and off throughout the day.
Remote Controls: Whether it’s the TV or AC remote, we grab these several times a day.
Smartphones & Tablets: These devices are constantly in your hand, touching your face, and even getting dirty when placed on various surfaces.
Countertops & Tables: Every meal, snack, or coffee break involves touching countertops.

By cleaning these surfaces, you’re not only preventing the spread of germs but also ensuring that your living or working environment is more hygienic.

How Often Should You Clean These Surfaces?

The short answer: regularly! Ideally, high-touch surfaces should be cleaned at least once a day, especially if you’re in a shared space or have a busy household. But don’t worry, even if you don’t have time for daily cleaning, doing it just once or twice a week can significantly reduce the buildup of germs.

Now, let’s talk about how you can clean and sanitize these surfaces in just 5 minutes!

Step-by-Step Guide to Quickly Clean Your High-Touch Surfaces

In a perfect world, we’d have hours to deep clean every inch of our home or office. But in reality, we need to fit cleaning into our busy schedules. Lucky for you, cleaning high-touch surfaces can be done in under 5 minutes if you know what you’re doing. Let’s break down the steps so you can clean with ease!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning, gather your cleaning supplies. Having everything you need in one place saves time and prevents any interruptions. Here’s a quick list of essentials:

Disinfectant Wipes or Spray: Make sure it’s labeled as effective against viruses and bacteria.
Microfiber Cloth: This will help you wipe down surfaces without leaving streaks or lint.
Paper Towels (if you’re using disinfectant spray): For drying off any remaining moisture.
Gloves (optional but recommended): To protect your hands from harsh chemicals.

Step 2: Start with the Doorknobs and Handles

Doorknobs and handles are some of the most touched items in any building. Whether it’s the doorknob to your bathroom or the kitchen cabinet handles, these are prime spots for germs to accumulate.

Grab a disinfectant wipe or spray your disinfectant on a microfiber cloth.
Wipe down the doorknob, handle, or any other door hardware, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Don’t forget to clean the area around the handle, too—sometimes germs can spread to adjacent areas.

The best part? Doorknobs and handles are small, so they’ll only take a minute or two to sanitize.

Step 3: Wipe Down Light Switches

Light switches are another high-touch surface that can easily accumulate germs, especially if you’ve been cooking or eating. These need to be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of grime and bacteria.

Use your disinfectant wipe or spray to gently clean both the switch itself and the surrounding area.
If the switch has buttons or grooves, make sure to get into those little crevices as well.

Light switches often get overlooked, but they’re so easy to clean—take a few seconds to sanitize them, and you’re good to go.

Step 4: Tidy Up Remote Controls

Your remote control might seem innocent enough, but think about how often it’s used in a day. Whether you’re watching TV, changing the temperature, or adjusting the lighting, it’s touched regularly by everyone in the house.

Grab your microfiber cloth and spray a little disinfectant on it (or use a wipe).
Wipe down the remote, focusing on the buttons that are most frequently pressed. These are the areas where germs are most likely to thrive.
Make sure to clean both the front and back of the remote for maximum sanitization.

Since most remote controls have nooks and crannies, you may want to use a cotton swab dipped in disinfectant to get into those hard-to-reach spots.

Step 5: Don’t Forget Your Phone and Tablet

Your phone is with you at all times, which means it’s touched constantly, from checking messages to scrolling through social media. Phones and tablets can get grimy, and we often forget to clean them.

Take a disinfectant wipe and gently wipe down the screen, buttons, and edges.
Be careful not to let too much liquid seep into the device—just enough to clean the surface.

If you don’t have disinfectant wipes handy, a microfiber cloth with a little rubbing alcohol can also work wonders. Just make sure to avoid harsh chemicals that could damage your screen.

Step 6: Tidy Up Your Tables and Countertops

Tables and countertops tend to accumulate dust, food crumbs, and spills. These surfaces are frequently touched when eating, working, or just hanging out. It’s important to clean them at least once a day, especially in high-traffic areas.

Use your disinfectant wipe or spray to clean the surface, paying attention to the corners where crumbs and debris tend to collect.
If you’re using a spray, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess liquid and prevent streaks.

Step 7: Clean Your Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks often get neglected when cleaning, but they can be one of the most germ-filled spots in your home. From food waste to germs from hands, sinks need regular attention.

Clean the sink by wiping it down with a disinfectant wipe or cloth, making sure to get around the faucet and drain.
If your sink is stainless steel, use a special cleaner to leave it gleaming.

Step 8: Finish with a Quick Sweep of Your Home or Office

Once you’ve cleaned all the major high-touch surfaces, it’s time to give your home or office a quick once-over to ensure you’ve hit every spot. Take a minute to glance around and check for any overlooked areas.

Quick and Easy Tips for Maintaining a Clean Space

If you want to keep things sanitary and reduce the time you spend cleaning in the future, here are a few tips:

Daily Quick Wipes: Make it a habit to quickly wipe down high-touch surfaces at least once a day. A couple of minutes each morning or evening will keep things fresh.
Use Disinfecting Sprays: Some disinfectants are meant to be sprayed and left to air-dry, which makes them convenient for surfaces you can’t constantly wipe down.
Keep Your Supplies Accessible: Store your cleaning supplies in a handy spot so you can grab them quickly when needed. Having them in reach makes it easier to keep up with cleaning.
Encourage Good Habits: Remind your family or coworkers to wash their hands regularly and not touch things like light switches or door handles unnecessarily.

I hope these tips and tricks help you keep your home or office clean without taking up too much of your time!

Are These Questions in Your Mind?

Is it safe to use disinfectant wipes on my phone?

Yes, it’s safe to use disinfectant wipes on your phone, but make sure to use wipes that are safe for electronics. Always wipe gently to avoid damaging the screen.

Can I clean my remote control with just water?

It’s not recommended to use just water, as it won’t kill germs effectively. A disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol is a better choice.

Do I need to wear gloves while cleaning high-touch surfaces?

While gloves aren’t necessary, they can provide added protection if you’re concerned about harsh chemicals or touching too many surfaces. It’s up to you!

Is it necessary to clean light switches every day?

It’s not necessary to clean them every day, but cleaning light switches at least once a week is a good habit, especially if they’re touched frequently.

Can I use the same cleaning cloth for all surfaces?

It’s a good idea to use separate cloths for different areas, like the kitchen and bathroom, to avoid cross-contamination. Microfiber cloths are great for multiple surfaces, but wash them regularly.

Is it okay to use disinfectant sprays on wood surfaces?

Yes, but make sure to check the label to ensure it’s safe for wood. Some disinfectants can damage delicate finishes, so it’s better to use a cleaner that’s specifically made for wood.

Can I sanitize my sink using bleach?

Bleach is effective for sanitizing, but it should be used carefully. Dilute bleach with water and never mix it with other cleaning products to avoid harmful reactions.

Do I need to clean the underside of door handles?

Yes, the underside of door handles is often neglected but can be just as germy. Be sure to wipe it down, too!

Is it important to clean remote controls during flu season?

Yes, during flu season (or anytime you’re sick), cleaning high-touch surfaces like remote controls is extra important to prevent spreading germs.

Can I use baby wipes to clean surfaces?

Baby wipes may be convenient, but they’re not disinfectants. If you’re looking for proper sanitation, choose a disinfectant wipe labeled as effective against germs.

I hope this guide helps you keep your high-touch surfaces clean and sanitized with minimal effort. With just a little time each day, you’ll create a healthier and more hygienic environment!