Home Surfaces To Disinfect TODAY | Free Printable Checklist

 I have got a super helpful printable that will help you keep track of which surfaces to disinfect consistently now and in general.

When it comes to our homes, we have to protect ourselves and our families by cleaning as thoroughly as we can. There are so many surfaces that germs can live on–it can be hard to keep up with!

We all do our best to clean each and every surface, but without a system it can be easy to miss the most obvious places where germs can live and spread.

Being faced with possibly catching a sickness that is no good for the immune compromised has really made me step my cleaning game up to a different level. There are so many memes and jokes about people who didn’t clean BEFORE the pandemic — but honestly we have always been cleaning, now is the time to take a strong a consistent approach to keep yourself and your family safe.

Battling Germs: Top Surfaces to Disinfect in Your Home

A clean home is more than just visually appealing; it’s crucial for our health. With the spread of infectious diseases, understanding which surfaces to prioritize for disinfection becomes vital. Germs, including viruses and bacteria, can survive on surfaces for hours to days, so consistent cleaning can curb their spread. Here are the primary surfaces you should focus on to keep your home a germ-free haven:

1. High-Touch Surfaces: These are areas and items that are frequently touched:

• Doorknobs & Handles: Whether it’s the entrance door, bathroom, or cabinets, these are touched multiple times a day.
• Light Switches: Every time a room’s ambiance is adjusted, germs can transfer.
• Remote Controls: Television, fan, and other electronic remotes can be a hotspot for germs.
• Phones & Tablets: Given how often we use them, these devices can harbor a surprising amount of germs.
• Computer Keyboards & Mice: Especially important if you eat at your workspace or share the equipment with others.

2. Kitchen Surfaces: The kitchen can be a breeding ground for bacteria due to the combination of food and high-touch surfaces:

• Countertops: Clean these regularly, especially after preparing raw meat.
• Sinks: Bacteria thrive here, especially near the drain and faucet handles.
• Appliance Handles: Think of the refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher handles.

3. Bathroom Surfaces: A space where personal hygiene meets moisture, a perfect cocktail for microbial growth:

• Toilet Handles: Every flush can propel germs into the air, landing on various surfaces.
• Faucets: Regularly touched before hands are washed.
• Shower & Bath: Moist environments allow mold, mildew, and bacteria to flourish.

4. Personal Items: Though not “surfaces” in the traditional sense, these often-overlooked items need regular disinfection:

• Toothbrush Holders: They can harbor bacteria from our mouths and from toilet spray.
• Glasses & Sunglasses: Regularly cleaning the frames can help reduce the transfer of germs to the face.
• Reusable Shopping Bags: These can become contaminated with food germs or from surfaces they’re placed on.

5. Floors: Especially if you have kids or pets who spend a lot of time playing on them:

• Entryway Floors: As this is the first point of contact from the outside, it can accumulate more dirt and germs.
• Bathroom Floors: Due to the proximity to the toilet and the possibility of moisture.

6. Laundry:

• Bed Linens & Towels: Regularly washing these can prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria and mites.
• Personal Clothing: Especially if you’ve been in crowded places or hospitals.

Cleaning Tips:

• Use the Right Products: Not all cleaning products disinfect. Ensure you’re using a product that kills viruses and bacteria. Check labels and follow guidelines.
• Regular Cleaning: Even if something isn’t visibly dirty, regular disinfection can help keep germs at bay.
• Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly can significantly reduce the transfer of germs to surfaces in your home.

By focusing on these critical areas and maintaining a consistent cleaning routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of illnesses and create a safer environment for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, while cleaning removes germs, disinfecting kills them, so a combination of both practices will be most effective.

Some of the surface areas that you should be thinking about disinfecting every day:

• Faucets
• Remotes
• Phones
• Tablets
• Keyboards
• Countertops
• Sinks
• Toothbrush Holders
• Refrigerator Handles
• Doorknob Handles
• Cabinet Pulls 
• Toilets Bathtubs
• Garbage Cans
• Tables
• Hard-backed Chairs
• Light Switches
• Desks
• Toys
• Diaper Pail
• Potty Chairs
• Changing Tables
• Highchair Tray

Surfaces to Disinfect Free Printable

Here is a free easy printable for you to download and check off every single day, or every other day–whatever you feel comfortable with!

If you have a laminator, be sure to laminate this list and use a dry erase marker check off each surface by the day. 

Download your free copy here and happy cleaning!

What are some other posts to check out before you leave?

• Free Printable Spring Cleaning Checklist For All Areas Of The House
• 7 Easy Tips For Clean Eating On The Go

Has your cleaning routine changed at all recently?