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High-Touchpoint Disinfection: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Updated: Jul 14

High-Touchpoint Disinfection: Why It Matters More Than You Think

WRITTEN BY MISS SCRUBPDX™ | THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT CLEANER BLOG



High-Touchpoint Disinfection: Why It Matters More Than You Think


Every day, our hands come into contact with hundreds of surfaces—and every one of those touches has the potential to transfer germs.


From grabbing the refrigerator handle for a snack to flipping on a light switch, high-touch surfaces are some of the most overlooked places in the home. While they may appear spotless, they can harbor bacteria and viruses that aren’t visible to the naked eye.


What Are High-Touch Surfaces?

High-touch surfaces are objects and fixtures that are touched frequently by multiple people throughout the day.


Some of the most common include:

  • Door handles

  • Light switches

  • Cabinet and drawer pulls

  • Refrigerator and freezer handles

  • Microwave and oven handles

  • Faucet handles

  • Toilet flush levers

  • Sink fixtures

  • TV remotes

  • Thermostats

  • Keyboards and computer mice

  • Phones and tablets

  • Stair railings

  • Appliance buttons

  • Garage door openers


Because these surfaces are handled repeatedly, they can quickly become collection points for germs.


High Touch-Point Disinfection is provided in all services we offer at ScrubPDX.
High Touch-Point Disinfection is provided in all services we offer at ScrubPDX.

What Germs Can Live on High-Touch Surfaces?

Research has shown that many common microorganisms can survive on household surfaces for hours—or even days—depending on the material and environmental conditions.


Examples include:


🦠 Viruses

  • Rhinoviruses (one of the most common causes of the common cold)

  • Influenza A and B (seasonal flu)

  • SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

  • Norovirus (a common cause of stomach illness)


🧫 Bacteria

  • Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA on some surfaces)

  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)

  • Salmonella enterica

  • Listeria monocytogenes

  • Enterococcus faecalis

  • Campylobacter

  • Klebsiella pneumoniae


These microorganisms can be transferred from contaminated hands to surfaces—and from surfaces back to hands—making frequent cleaning and proper handwashing especially important.


Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

Many people assume they’re the same thing—but they’re not.


Cleaning removes dirt, grease, dust, and debris.


Disinfecting uses an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill many harmful bacteria and viruses remaining on a clean surface when used according to the manufacturer’s directions, including the required contact (dwell) time.


For best results, surfaces should be cleaned before they are disinfected.


How ScrubPDX Protects Your Home

At ScrubPDX, we pay special attention to the areas that are touched most often but cleaned the least.


As part of our service, we disinfect high-touch surfaces using EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants and follow manufacturer-recommended dwell times to maximize effectiveness.


Depending on the EPA registration of the disinfectant being used, hospital-grade disinfectants are formulated to be effective against a broad range of bacteria and viruses, including many products that are approved to kill organisms such as:


  • Influenza A

  • SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

  • Rhinoviruses

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

  • Norovirus*

  • Staphylococcus aureus

  • MRSA*

  • E. coli

  • Salmonella


*Coverage varies by disinfectant product. We always use our disinfectants according to their EPA-approved label instructions.


Who Benefits Most?

High-touchpoint disinfection is especially valuable for:

  • Families with young children

  • Seniors

  • Individuals with compromised immune systems

  • Pet owners

  • Households with multiple occupants

  • Anyone recovering from illness

  • Busy professionals who want extra peace of mind


Peace of Mind Is in the Details

A home can look spotless while still harboring germs on the surfaces we touch every day.

By incorporating high-touchpoint disinfection into every cleaning visit, ScrubPDX goes beyond surface-level cleaning to help create a healthier living environment for you and your family.


Because a truly clean home isn’t just beautiful—it’s cared for where it matters most.


Free Download: High-Touch Surface Cleaning Checklist

Ready to put these tips into practice? Download our free High-Touch Surface Cleaning Checklist to ensure the most frequently touched areas of your home are cleaned and disinfected consistently. This printable guide makes it easy to maintain a healthier, cleaner environment between professional cleanings.

Download your free PDF below.


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