In the modern workplace, cleanliness is more than an aesthetic priority; it’s a health and safety essential. One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness is through the regular sanitization of high-touch surfaces. These are the items and areas employees interact with constantly, often without thinking, and they can become hotspots for bacteria and viruses.
Whether you’re running a corporate office, a manufacturing plant, or a healthcare facility, understanding the role of high-touch surface cleaning is critical to maintaining a healthy environment and protecting your workforce.
What Are High-Touch Surfaces?
High-touch surfaces are those frequently touched by multiple people throughout the day. In workplace settings, these commonly include:
– Door handles and push plates
– Elevator buttons
– Light switches
– Keyboards and mice
– Telephones
– Desks and conference tables
– Restroom faucets and dispensers
– Breakroom appliances: fridge handles, microwaves, coffee machines
– Shared equipment like copiers, scanners, and vending machines
Because of their constant use, these surfaces accumulate a wide variety of germs. Without regular disinfection, they can facilitate the rapid spread of viruses and bacteria throughout your facility.
Why High-Touch Surface Sanitization Matters
1. Stops the Spread of Illness
Flu, cold, COVID-19, norovirus, and other contagious diseases can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. An employee touches a contaminated doorknob, then scratches their nose or grabs a snack, and just like that, they’re infected.
Routine sanitization breaks this chain of transmission by killing germs before they spread. Especially during flu season or periods of high infection, cleaning these surfaces frequently is key to controlling outbreaks.
2. Protects Employee Health and Reduces Sick Days
A healthier workforce is a more productive one. When germs circulate freely, absenteeism spikes, and your business may suffer operational delays. In contrast, a clean, sanitized workplace helps keep employees at their desks and confident about the safety of their environment.
Studies have shown that strategic sanitizing of high-touch surfaces in offices can reduce employee illness by up to 30%. That’s not just a health win, it’s a business advantage.
3. Improves Workplace Morale and Confidence
Employees are more aware than ever of hygiene and safety. Seeing that your company takes cleaning seriously builds trust. When staff members notice regular sanitizing of high-touch areas, it reassures them that their employer values their well-being.
This is especially important in industries where teams share equipment or operate in close quarters, such as manufacturing, logistics, education, and healthcare.
The Difference Between Cleaning and Sanitizing
It’s important to understand that cleaning and sanitizing are not the same.
– Cleaning removes dirt, debris, and some germs from surfaces.
– Sanitizing reduces the number of germs to safe levels as determined by public health standards.
To truly protect your workforce, surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized. A surface that looks clean may still harbor invisible pathogens. That’s why high-touch surface sanitization should be part of your regular facility maintenance, not just something done after visible messes.
How Often Should High-Touch Surfaces Be Sanitized?
The frequency of sanitization depends on the type of facility, the number of employees, and current public health concerns. However, here are some general guidelines:
– Office spaces: At least once per day, with additional cleanings during flu season or outbreaks.
– Restrooms and kitchens: Multiple times per day due to higher germ concentration.
– Shared equipment: Before and after each use if possible.
– Healthcare and industrial environments: Continuous sanitization throughout shifts.
AmeriStar Facility Solutions can assess your building’s unique needs and develop a tailored sanitization plan that fits your schedule and usage patterns.
Tools and Products That Make a Difference
Professional cleaning teams use specialized tools and products to ensure thorough sanitization:
– EPA-registered disinfectants that kill bacteria and viruses on contact
– Electrostatic sprayers that apply disinfectant evenly, even in hard-to-reach areas
– Color-coded microfiber cloths to prevent cross-contamination between different zones (e.g., restrooms vs. break rooms)
– Hospital-grade cleaning protocols for high-risk areas like healthcare or lab environments
These methods are far more effective than over-the-counter sprays or staff’s casual wipe-downs.
Professional Help for Proper Sanitization
While employees may do their best to keep their own workspaces tidy, consistent, and effective, high-touch surface sanitization requires professional support.
AmeriStar Facility Solutions offers comprehensive commercial cleaning services that focus on health as much as cleanliness. Our trained team knows how to:
– Identify your facility’s high-risk touchpoints
– Use the right products to kill pathogens without damaging surfaces
– Work discreetly during business hours or after hours to minimize disruption
– Provide documentation and transparency for health compliance purposes
Next Steps for a Healthier Workplace
High-touch surface sanitization is not just a cleaning trend; it’s a workplace necessity. In today’s world, where a single sick employee can affect an entire department or halt a production line, proactive sanitization protects people and productivity.
Regularly disinfecting the surfaces your employees interact with every day shows a commitment to health, safety, and operational excellence. Don’t leave your workplace’s well-being to chance.
Contact AmeriStar Facility Solutions at (570) 675-5525 or visit www.ameristarfacilitysolutions.com
to learn more about our sanitization services and customized cleaning programs. Let’s keep your workplace clean, safe, and ready for success.