10 High-Touch Areas You Might Be Forgetting to Clean

Cleaning & Cleaning
Apr 7
3 min read

Updated: Apr 16

When it comes to keeping your home feeling Fresh. Fast. Flawless., regular cleaning routines make a big difference. But even the tidiest homes can harbor hidden grime in places we often overlook. These high-touch areas are hotspots for germs and bacteria—most of which are part of your daily life.

As a Seattle-based residential cleaning service, Cleaning & Cleaning is here to help you spot the sneaky surfaces you might forget to clean and explain why keeping them pristine matters for your health, peace of mind, and overall home environment. It's all part of our commitment to helping you live in a space that feels fresh, functions fast, and looks absolutely flawless.

Let's dive in.

1. Light Switches

We touch them all the time—often with unwashed hands—but light switches are rarely wiped down. Over time, they collect oils, dirt, and bacteria. A simple disinfectant wipe can help your walls stay fresh and germ-free.

2. Door Handles & Knobs

Everyone in the household touches handles countless times daily, from the front door to the bathroom cabinet. Yet, they're often skipped during routine cleaning. Keep these cleaned regularly to ensure fast-acting hygiene and a flawless finish throughout your home.

3. TV Remotes

We snack, lounge, and binge-watch with them, but when did you last clean your remote control? This tiny device can harbor surprising amounts of bacteria. Keeping it fresh keeps your relaxation time healthier and more enjoyable.

4. Refrigerator Handles

These are opened multiple times a day, often mid-cooking or snacking. Sticky fingers and food residue build up quickly here. A quick clean keeps your kitchen running fast and food prep spaces looking flawless.

5. Cell Phones & Tablets

While not technically part of your home's surfaces, these personal tech items are high-touch and high-risk. We set them on countertops, use them in every room, and rarely think to disinfect them. Wipe them down daily to stay fresh and healthy.

6. Faucet Handles

Kitchen and bathroom faucet handles are often touched when hands are at their dirtiest. These are quick to clean but easy to forget. Give them a daily wipe to maintain flawless cleanliness with fast results.

7. Stair Railings

Handrails are used heavily, especially in multi-level homes or busy households with kids. Yet, they're not often part of the weekly wipe-down. A quick clean keeps your home fresh and prevents germ buildup.

8. Cabinet Knobs & Drawer Pulls

These surfaces see a lot of action from the kitchen to the bathroom. They're touched frequently during meal prep and makeup routines, making them a breeding ground for germs if ignored. Keeping them clean ensures flawless functionality in your daily routines.

9. Pet Areas & Accessories

Pet bowls, toys, leashes, and beds are full of bacteria—even if your furry friend is the cleanest. Sanitizing them regularly keeps your home fresh and safe for all family members.

10. Laundry Machine Buttons & Lids

Ironically, one of the places meant to clean your clothes can itself be a hub for dirt and bacteria. The control panel, lid, and detergent dispensers all need regular attention. Stay ahead with fast wipe-downs and keep laundry day flawless.

Did You Know?

A 2022 study found that some TV remotes and cell phones had more bacteria per square inch than a household toilet seat. Yikes!

These often-missed high-touch areas can pose real risks if left uncleaned. Regular attention can restore that fresh, hygienic feeling.

Fun Fact: Seattle ranks among the top U.S. cities for pet ownership. While we love our fur babies, studies show pet toys are among the most bacteria-laden items in a household!

A fast, weekly refresh can help keep your pet and home flawless.

Why It Matters

Ignoring these areas doesn't just affect cleanliness—it affects your health. Did you know a 2022 study found that some TV remotes and cell phones had more bacteria per square inch than a household toilet seat? Germs can linger on surfaces for hours (or days!), contributing to colds, stomach bugs, and other illnesses. Plus, keeping these spots clean makes your entire home feel fresher, more polished, and more comfortable.

At Cleaning & Cleaning, we understand the details that matter. Our trained professionals, with their expertise and thorough approach, don't just clean what's visible—we go deeper, tackling those easily forgotten spots so you don't have to.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Your time is valuable. Your home deserves expert care. Let Cleaning & Cleaning help you maintain a Fresh home. We're here to make every inch of your space feel Fresh. Fast. Flawless.

Book your personalized residential cleaning in Seattle today — and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a spotless space.