Why High-Touch Areas in Commercial Spaces Need Extra Attention?

In any commercial space, whether it’s an office, retail store, or a healthcare facility, cleanliness plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health and safety of employees, clients, and visitors. 

One of the key areas that require constant attention is the high-touch surfaces—those that are frequently touched by multiple individuals throughout the day. These surfaces are hotspots for the transmission of germs, bacteria, and viruses, making them critical areas to clean and disinfect regularly.

But what exactly qualifies as a high-touch surface, and why do these areas need extra attention? In this article, we’ll dive deep into understanding the significance of high-touch surfaces, how to identify them, and the best strategies for keeping them clean, particularly during flu seasons when infection risks are higher.

Identifying High-Touch Surfaces

The first step in ensuring that your commercial space is adequately cleaned is recognizing which areas are considered high-touch. 

These are the surfaces that are frequently touched by numerous individuals over the course of a day, which naturally increases the potential for germ transmission.

1. Common High-Touch Surfaces

Here are some examples of common high-touch surfaces found in commercial spaces:

• Door Handles: Whether it’s the main entry door, restroom doors, or interior office doors, these are among the most frequently touched surfaces in any commercial space.
• Elevator Buttons: Elevators are used by hundreds of people daily in many buildings, making the buttons a hotspot for germs.
• Light Switches: These are commonly touched as people move in and out of rooms, making them a significant source for spreading germs.
• Telephones and Keyboards: In offices, shared equipment like telephones, computer keyboards, and mice are touched frequently by different individuals.
• Countertops and Desks: Reception counters, work desks, and checkout counters are all high-contact points in retail and office settings.
• Bathroom Fixtures: Sinks, faucets, toilet handles, and soap dispensers are often used and require frequent disinfection.
• Shared Equipment: Printers, coffee machines, and water dispensers are other high-touch surfaces in many commercial spaces.

2. The Risk of Contamination

High-touch surfaces are prone to contamination due to the constant interaction they endure. Even if hands appear clean, they can carry a variety of germs that are easily transferred onto these surfaces. 

In a high-traffic environment, germs from one person can be passed to many others throughout the day. Without proper cleaning protocols in place, these areas can become breeding grounds for harmful pathogens, such as the flu virus, cold germs, or even more dangerous bacteria like MRSA.

The Frequency of Cleaning High-Touch Areas

Given the increased risk of germ transmission through high-touch surfaces, these areas must be cleaned and disinfected more frequently than others. But how often is enough?

• Daily Cleaning: For most commercial spaces, high-touch areas should be cleaned at least once a day. This includes routine disinfection of door handles, elevator buttons, light switches, and any other surfaces that experience frequent contact.
• Increased Frequency During Peak Seasons: During flu season or outbreaks of contagious illnesses (like COVID-19), the frequency of cleaning may need to be ramped up to multiple times a day, particularly in high-traffic areas. This helps to reduce the chance of viral spread.
• Hourly Cleaning in Certain Settings: In places like hospitals, daycares, or gyms, where cleanliness is of the utmost importance, high-touch surfaces may need to be disinfected on an hourly basis or immediately after use.

2. Developing a Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to cleaning high-touch areas. Many commercial spaces develop a cleaning schedule that clearly outlines when and how frequently each area should be sanitized. This may involve assigning specific times for cleaning staff to focus on different sections of the building, ensuring that no areas are overlooked.

A well-maintained log of cleaning activities can also serve as a record that confirms compliance with health and safety regulations, providing peace of mind to employees, clients, and visitors alike.

Best Products for Disinfecting High-Touch Areas

1. Choosing the Right Disinfectants

Not all cleaning products are created equal, and when it comes to disinfecting high-touch areas, it’s important to choose products that are both effective and safe. 

Here are a few criteria to keep in mind when selecting disinfectants:

• EPA-Approved: Look for disinfectants that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their effectiveness against specific viruses and bacteria.
• Broad-Spectrum: Use broad-spectrum disinfectants that can kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly: In commercial spaces, especially offices and schools, it’s important to use products that are safe for use around people. Eco-friendly products made from natural ingredients can help minimize chemical exposure without compromising on cleanliness.

2. The Role of Disinfectant Wipes

For high-touch areas, disinfectant wipes are often the most practical option. These are easy to use and allow for quick cleaning of surfaces like door handles, light switches, and keyboards. 

Wipes that contain at least 70% alcohol are effective at killing most types of bacteria and viruses, making them a great option for quick touch-ups between deeper cleanings.

3. UV Light Technology

In addition to traditional cleaning products, some commercial spaces are turning to more advanced technologies, such as UV-C light, to disinfect high-touch surfaces. 

This technology uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses by damaging their DNA, preventing them from reproducing. While not a replacement for regular cleaning, UV light can be a useful addition to your cleaning toolkit, particularly in high-risk areas like restrooms and medical facilities.

The Importance of Cleaning High-Touch Areas During Flu Season

1. Why Flu Season Increases the Need for Cleaning

During flu season, germs spread more easily as people sneeze, cough, and touch their faces more frequently. High-touch areas become breeding grounds for the flu virus, which can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. 

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of these surfaces can significantly reduce the spread of flu and other illnesses during this time.

• Limiting Cross-Contamination: High-touch areas like shared desks, communal printers, and restroom door handles are common places where cross-contamination occurs. By increasing the frequency of cleaning during flu season, businesses can protect their employees and customers from the spread of illness.
• Encouraging Hygiene Practices: In addition to regular cleaning, it’s important to encourage proper hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and using hand sanitizers. Providing disinfectant wipes for employees to use on their workstations can also help limit the spread of germs.

2. Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Flu season can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems. 

For businesses that cater to these groups, such as healthcare facilities, schools, or nursing homes, thorough and frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces is critical to protecting their health and safety.

How Professional Cleaning Services Help Keep High-Touch Areas Clean

1. Expertise and Training

Professional commercial cleaning services are trained in the best practices for disinfecting high-touch surfaces. They understand the specific needs of different commercial environments and can tailor their cleaning practices to ensure the highest level of cleanliness. 

They also stay updated on the latest health guidelines and cleaning innovations, ensuring that your commercial space remains safe and compliant with industry standards.

2. Specialized Equipment and Products

Professional cleaners have access to industrial-grade equipment and products that are more effective than typical consumer products. 

From electrostatic sprayers to hospital-grade disinfectants, they have the tools necessary to thoroughly sanitize high-touch areas and other critical spots.

3. Reducing the Burden on Staff

Outsourcing your cleaning needs to professionals takes the burden off your staff, allowing them to focus on their work rather than worrying about maintaining cleanliness. 

It also ensures that cleaning is done consistently and thoroughly, as professional cleaning teams have set routines and schedules to ensure nothing is missed.

Conclusion

High-touch areas in commercial spaces require extra attention, especially in high-traffic environments and during flu season. By identifying these surfaces, increasing the frequency of cleaning, and using the right disinfectants, businesses can significantly reduce the spread of germs and create a safer environment for everyone. 

Professional cleaning services offer the expertise, products, and consistency needed to ensure that these areas are properly maintained, giving businesses peace of mind and protecting their employees and clients.

Maintaining clean high-touch surfaces is not only a matter of hygiene but also a key factor in promoting health, productivity, and a positive image for your business.

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