How Often Should You Really Clean High-Touch Points?
- Feb 23
- 2 min read
High-touch points are some of the most frequently used surfaces in any building, yet they are often overlooked in routine cleaning schedules.
From offices and schools to hospitality venues and leisure facilities, these surfaces can quickly become hotspots for germs, grime, and general wear. The question many facilities teams ask is simple. How often should they really be cleaned?
The answer depends on usage, environment, and footfall, but there are clear best-practice guidelines every organisation should consider.
What Are High-Touch Points?
High-touch points are surfaces that are handled frequently throughout the day by multiple people.
Common examples include:
Door handles and push plates
Light switches
Lift buttons
Reception counters
Shared desks and meeting tables
Keyboards and computer mice
Handrails
Breakroom appliances such as kettles and microwaves
Washroom taps, flush plates, and dispensers
Because these areas are constantly used, they can accumulate bacteria and dirt far more quickly than floors or walls.
How Often Should They Be Cleaned?
Low Footfall Environments
In smaller offices or low-traffic buildings, high-touch points should typically be cleaned at least once daily as part of a routine cleaning schedule.
Medium Footfall Environments
In busier offices, schools, or mixed-use spaces, cleaning high-touch points two to three times per day is advisable, particularly in shared areas such as kitchens and washrooms.
High Footfall or Public Environments
In hospitality venues, healthcare settings, or public buildings, high-touch points may need cleaning every few hours, especially during peak usage.
During cold and flu season or periods of heightened illness, increasing cleaning frequency is a sensible preventative measure.
Why Frequency Matters
Regular cleaning of high-touch points helps:
Reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses
Improve staff and visitor confidence
Maintain professional presentation standards
Support overall workplace wellbeing
A visibly clean environment also reassures employees and customers that hygiene is taken seriously.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Approach
Cleaning high-touch points does not necessarily require complex processes, but consistency is key.
Best practice includes:
Using appropriate disinfectant or sanitising products
Following correct dwell times for effectiveness
Using colour-coded cloths to prevent cross-contamination
Training staff on touchpoint identification
It is important to use products suitable for the surface type, particularly for electronics, stainless steel, or coated finishes.
A Simple Touchpoint Checklist
If you are reviewing your cleaning schedule, consider asking:
Have we mapped all shared contact surfaces?
Are cleaning frequencies aligned with building usage?
Are we reviewing routines during seasonal illness peaks?
Are products appropriate for both safety and surface protection?
Even small adjustments to frequency can make a meaningful difference.
Keeping Standards Consistent
High-touch point cleaning is one of the simplest ways to raise hygiene standards without high cost or disruption.
By reviewing cleaning routines and ensuring the right products are used in the right places, facilities teams can protect people, improve confidence, and maintain a professional environment all year round.
If you would like advice on suitable cleaning products for high-touch surfaces in your environment, the Seldram team is always happy to help.