We all know the importance of keeping our homes and office spaces clean. This is why we dust the furniture and clean the floors. However, are you aware that there are other parts of the home/office that you are neglecting? For example, when did you last clean the door knobs or light switches?
We tend to neglect these surfaces during our cleaning routines. This is highly inadvisable as we constantly touch door knobs and light switches. Hence, these surfaces are likely to be germ-infested, as the average human carries about 3,200 germs on their hands.
This article discussed why you mustn’t neglect door knobs and light switches during cleaning. We also discussed how often you should clean them and how to do so effectively.
Why Should I Disinfect My Door Knobs and Light Switches Regularly?
The answer is quite simple; to kill germs and viruses. Door knobs and light switches are referred to as “high-touch surfaces.” These are surfaces that have frequent contact with the hands.
As mentioned, the average human hand contains about 3,200 germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This means that the high touchpoints are constantly exposed to these germs that could cause infections, colds, sore throat, etc.
If you fail to keep door knobs and switches clean, you, your family, and your staff will be exposed to these germs. This will ultimately lead to illnesses and, for an office, more sick days, which affects turnover. Therefore, it is more prudent to consistently clean door knobs and light switches.
How Often Should I Clean My Door Knobs and Light Switches?
There are millions of common cold cases in the United States annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults have an average of 2-3 colds yearly, and children have even more.
The germs responsible for these infections live and thrive on hard surfaces (like door knobs and light switches) for many weeks/months. Therefore, it is recommended that you clean and disinfect your door knobs and light switches at least twice a week.
You can decide to do more if time permits. Disinfecting these high touchpoints are critical to ensure that harmful germs do not spread in your home and offices, especially during the flu season.
How to Clean and Disinfect Your Door Handles
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean and disinfect door handles:
- Gather the necessary equipment, such as gloves, cleaning solution, disinfectant, paper towels, and a dustbin. Wearing gloves protect your hands from the germs on the door handle and harmful cleaning solution.
- Use a cleaning solution (alcohol or all-purpose cleaners) to wipe down the door handle to remove any visible dirt or debris. Ensure that you clean both sides of the handle.
- Apply the disinfectant to the door handle. It should remain on the surface for a certain period to kill any remaining germs. It is advisable to use fast-acting disinfectants.
- Wipe down the door handle using a clean paper towel to remove any excess disinfectant solution.
- Dispose of the used paper towel in a trash can, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Repeat the process regularly to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
Use disinfecting wipes if you don’t have much time to take the above steps but still want to clean your door handle.
How to Clean and Disinfect Light Switches
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean and disinfect light switches:
- Before cleaning, turn off the power to the light switch. This can be achieved by turning off the power supply to your home or office at the circuit breaker. Do this during the day so that the loss of power does not affect visibility.
- Gather the necessary supplies: gloves, paintbrush, cleaning solution, disinfectant, paper towels, and a dustbin.
- Use a paintbrush to remove dust.
- Use a cleaning solution (alcohol or an all-purpose cleaner) to wipe down the light switch to remove any visible dirt or debris.
- Apply the disinfectant solution to the light switch. Allow the solution to remain on the surface for some minutes to kill any remaining germs.
- Wipe the light switch using a clean paper towel to remove any excess disinfectant solution.
- Dispose of the used paper towel in a trash can, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Repeat the process regularly to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
Let Mackay Office Cleaning Handle Your Cleaning Needs
We’re confident you now understand the importance of regularly cleaning your door handles and light switches. The tips in this article are a DIY approach to cleaning your door handles and light switches.
However, if you want a professional cleaning service, our Mackay Office Cleaning experts are here. We use a deep-cleaning system that covers every surface, including door handles and light switches. Contact us today to learn more about our services.