In any commercial or industrial facility, maintaining cleanliness is more than just about appearances. It’s about health, safety, and productivity. One of the most effective ways to reduce illness and promote a healthier environment is by focusing on the areas most likely to spread germs: high-touch surfaces, also known as touchpoints.
These frequently touched surfaces can harbor viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that can easily be transmitted from person to person. By targeting these areas as part of a routine cleaning strategy, your business can significantly reduce the spread of illness and create a safer environment for employees, clients, and visitors.
What Are High-Touch Surfaces?
High-touch surfaces are areas that multiple people contact regularly throughout the day. Because of their constant use, they can accumulate germs quickly and become hotspots for transmission if not properly cleaned and disinfected.
Common examples of touchpoints include:
– Door handles and push plates
– Elevator buttons and handrails
– Light switches
– Breakroom and kitchen appliance handles
– Restroom faucets, dispensers, and toilet handles
– Shared desks and conference room tables
– Telephones, computer keyboards, and mice
– Reception counters and pens
These surfaces may seem harmless, but without routine disinfection, they can become breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria, especially during flu season or public health outbreaks.
Why Targeting Touchpoints Matters
Focusing on touchpoints during cleaning is essential for several reasons:
1. Reduces the Spread of Illness
Viruses like the flu, norovirus, and even COVID-19 can live on surfaces for hours or even days. When someone touches a contaminated surface and then their face, they risk infection. By frequently disinfecting touchpoints, you break the chain of transmission.
2. Promotes a Healthier Workforce
Germs in the workplace lead to more sick days, reduced morale, and lower productivity. Targeted cleaning supports employee health and helps reduce absenteeism, thereby directly impacting operational efficiency.
3. Demonstrates Commitment to Safety
Clients, customers, and tenants notice how well a facility is maintained. A visibly clean environment with attention to detail shows that your business prioritizes cleanliness and the well-being of everyone who enters.
4. Supports Regulatory Compliance
In industries such as healthcare, food service, and education, strict sanitation protocols are required by law. Targeting high-touch surfaces helps meet these standards and avoid penalties or failed inspections.
How to Effectively Clean High-Touch Areas
It’s not enough to clean visibly dirty surfaces. Effective touchpoint cleaning requires proper technique, frequency, and the right products.
Use the Right Disinfectants
Not all cleaning products kill germs. Look for EPA-registered disinfectants proven to eliminate bacteria and viruses. These should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions for dwell time and application.
Increase Frequency
High-touch areas need more than once-a-day attention. Depending on traffic in your building, touchpoints may need to be disinfected multiple times per day — especially in restrooms, break rooms, and shared spaces.
Train Cleaning Staff Thoroughly
A consistent cleaning protocol only works if staff are trained to follow it. Professional cleaning teams should be educated on where touchpoints are, how to properly disinfect them, and how to use PPE to prevent cross-contamination.
Follow a Checklist
A standardized cleaning checklist ensures no critical areas are overlooked. This is especially useful in large facilities where it’s easy to miss commonly used surfaces.
The Role of Professional Janitorial Cleaning Services
Implementing an effective in-house disinfection strategy can be challenging. A professional janitorial cleaning company like AmeriStar Facility Solutions brings the tools, experience, and systems needed to consistently and effectively target high-touch areas.
Our teams are trained in CDC and OSHA-compliant cleaning protocols, and we work with each client to develop a customized plan that fits their specific building layout, industry requirements, and traffic patterns.
Benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service include:
– Consistent and thorough disinfection
– Use of hospital-grade disinfectants
– Documentation of cleaning routines
– Reduced liability and risk
– More time for your staff to focus on their core responsibilities
Protect Your Workplace With a High-Touch Cleaning Plan
Germs spread quickly in shared spaces, but with a proactive and targeted cleaning strategy, you can stay ahead of the risks. By regularly identifying and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, you protect your employees, enhance your reputation, and support overall workplace health.
At AmeriStar Facility Solutions, we understand how important it is to target the touchpoints that matter most. Let us help you create a healthier, safer facility with our expert commercial cleaning and disinfection services.
Contact us at (570) 675-5525 or visit www.ameristarfacilitysolutions.com to request a customized cleaning plan today.