High-Touch Surface Cleaning: Reducing Germ Spread in the Workplace
Keeping workplaces clean is not just about appearances, it is about protecting the health of employees, customers, and visitors. High-touch surfaces are areas that many people interact with throughout the day, making them hotspots for germs. Targeted cleaning and disinfection of these surfaces is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the spread of illness in offices, medical facilities, and retail environments.
What Are High-Touch Surfaces?
High-touch surfaces are objects or areas that are frequently touched by multiple people throughout the day. Examples include door handles, elevator buttons, light switches, shared phones, computer keyboards, desks, counters, and bathroom fixtures. Because so many hands come into contact with these points, they often carry bacteria and viruses that can spread quickly from person to person. Identifying these surfaces is the first step in reducing workplace contamination.
Why These Surfaces Are Germ Hotspots
High-touch surfaces become germ hotspots because of the volume of contact they receive and the variety of pathogens that can linger on them. Studies have shown that viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, depending on material and environment. Bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococcus can also live on surfaces and transfer easily. The Centers for Disease Control and Health Canada both recommend that workplaces include high-touch cleaning in their daily protocols to minimize these risks. Without consistent attention, these surfaces can quickly become pathways for illness that affect productivity and safety.
How Often Should High-Touch Surfaces Be Cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of workplace and how much traffic it receives. In typical office environments, disinfecting high-touch points at least once per day is recommended, while medical centers and retail spaces often require multiple cleanings throughout the day due to constant interaction. Surfaces like restroom fixtures, entry doors, and shared break room equipment should be disinfected more frequently to protect against germs in high-traffic zones. Consistency is key because lapses in cleaning can create opportunities for illness to spread.
Best Practices and Disinfection Methods
Effective high-touch surface cleaning requires more than just wiping surfaces quickly. Using Health Canada approved disinfectants and allowing proper dwell time ensures that pathogens are killed rather than spread around. Microfiber cloths are recommended because they capture more particles compared to paper towels. Touchless cleaning options, such as electrostatic sprayers, can also improve coverage in busy workplaces. Training cleaning staff to follow clear protocols is important so that disinfection is done thoroughly and consistently. Businesses should also monitor supply levels to ensure disinfectants and protective equipment are always available.
Professional Cleaning Services in Calgary: A Safer Choice
While some workplaces assign cleaning tasks to employees, hiring a professional service ensures that high-touch surface cleaning is done properly and consistently. Professional cleaners are trained to follow best practices and use the right products for each surface. They also stay updated on CDC and Health Canada guidelines, ensuring compliance with the latest standards. For Calgary businesses, relying on a professional team reduces the risk of employee illness, lowers absenteeism, and creates a healthier environment that benefits staff and customers alike. A Property Services provides detailed cleaning solutions that address high-touch points in offices, clinics, and retail spaces across the city, giving businesses peace of mind that their facilities are safe.
Keep Your Workplace Healthier with A Property Services
Illness can spread quickly when high-touch surfaces are overlooked, but consistent disinfection reduces that risk and creates a safer space for everyone. Whether you manage an office, operate a retail store, or oversee a medical facility, targeted cleaning protocols make a measurable difference in protecting health and maintaining productivity. Partnering with experts like A Property Services gives you confidence that high-touch surfaces are properly disinfected and maintained. To discuss tailored cleaning programs that fit your workplace needs, visit the Contact page and connect with the team today.
