Top High-Touch Areas Small Businesses Often Forget to Clean

 In any small business, maintaining cleanliness is a priority—but even the most dedicated teams can overlook certain high-touch surfaces. These areas, frequently handled by customers and employees alike, can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly maintained.
In this article, we identify commonly missed high-touch areas and provide practical tips to ensure thorough, consistent cleaning throughout your business.

 1. Door Handles and Light Switches These are touched countless times a day but are often left out of routine cleaning.
What to Do:

• Disinfect with antibacterial wipes or spray at least twice daily.
• Include both interior and exterior handles, restroom doors, and storage rooms.
• Don’t forget push plates and door frames.

Pro Tip: Add these items to your opening and closing checklists for consistency.
 2. Payment Terminals and POS Keypads Card readers and touchscreens are high-traffic touchpoints for both staff and customers.
Cleaning Guidelines:

• Wipe with a non-abrasive, alcohol-based cleaner designed for electronics.
• Sanitize between shifts and more frequently during busy periods.
• Offer hand sanitizer at checkout stations.

Pro Tip: Keep disinfectant wipes near POS systems for quick cleanups.
 3. Shared Office Equipment Items like printers, fax machines, and breakroom appliances are shared by multiple team members.
Best Practices:

• Disinfect buttons, handles, and control panels daily.
• Clean microwave handles, fridge doors, and coffee machine buttons.
• Encourage employees to wipe down after each use.

Pro Tip: Provide disinfecting spray and paper towels at shared stations.
 4. Chairs, Armrests, and Reception Furniture Furniture is frequently touched but often skipped during cleaning routines.
Tips for Proper Cleaning:

• Wipe down seating areas, including chair backs and armrests.
• Sanitize waiting room furniture and display stands.
• Clean fabric with appropriate upholstery-safe disinfectants.

Pro Tip: Use a lint roller for fabric chairs and follow up with a fabric-safe sanitizer.
 5. Restroom Fixtures and Accessories Restroom cleanliness is essential, but some fixtures get overlooked.
What to Include:

• Door locks, stall handles, and soap dispensers.
• Faucet handles, towel dispensers, and light switches.
• Trash bin lids and push pedals.

Pro Tip: Schedule mid-day restroom checks in addition to daily deep cleans.
 6. Handrails, Counter Edges, and Elevator Buttons Often touched, rarely remembered.
Don’t Forget:

• Clean handrails on staircases or ramps.
• Disinfect counter edges where customers lean or place belongings.
• Sanitize elevator buttons and touchscreen panels if applicable.

Pro Tip: Use signage encouraging hand hygiene, especially near elevators and stairs.
 7. Personal Devices and Accessories Phones, tablets, and even pens can harbor germs.
Cleaning Strategies:

• Encourage staff to clean phones, headsets, and keyboards daily.
• Provide stylus pens for touchscreen use and clean them often.
• Disinfect reusable pens or offer disposable ones at customer counters.

Pro Tip: Create a “clean desk policy” encouraging employees to sanitize personal workspaces.
 Conclusion Cleanliness is in the details. By paying extra attention to these commonly missed high-touch areas, small businesses can improve hygiene, enhance customer trust, and create a safer, healthier environment.
Add these spots to your daily cleaning checklist and empower your team to keep cleanliness top of mind. 🧼

​FAQs

1. Why are high-touch areas more important to clean?
   
   • They harbor more bacteria due to frequent contact and increase the risk of germ transmission.
     
2. How often should high-touch surfaces be cleaned?
   
   • At least twice daily, or more often during busy hours or flu seasons.
     
3. What disinfectant is best for electronics like POS systems?
   
   • Alcohol-based sprays or wipes specifically labeled safe for electronics.
     
4. Can high-touch areas affect customer perception?
   
   • Yes, visibly clean surfaces build trust and show attention to detail.
     
5. How can I train my staff to remember these areas?
   
   • Use checklists, signage, and assign specific responsibilities as part of daily routines.