What Are High Touch Points (HTPs)?

More than ever people are looking for ways to deep clean and disinfect their homes. While it’s smart to try and minimize the spread of germs, instead of trying to rip in and completely sanitize the whole house, start with high-touch points.

High touch points (HTP) are those areas that have the most frequent contact with hands. These areas require more cleaning and disinfecting than others. Even if they are not visibly dirty, these places house the most unseen germs and bacteria.

The idea behind this method of cleaning is that not every germ in the home needs to die. Instead, focus on the areas that are most likely to carry harmful bacteria and viruses. These areas are also the same ones where you’re more likely to pick up the germs.

Here Are a Few HTPs to Consider in Your Home

• Keys
• Doorknobs
• Remote controls
• Cell phones
• Faucets
• Keyboard
• Light switches
• Toilets
• Counters
• Fridge handle
• Communal surfaces like tables, chairs, and benches

Cleaning these specific areas is also known as targeted hygiene — to put it simply it means disinfecting those areas, especially when someone is sick.

By doing this and cleaning the right areas at the right time you can stop the spread of germs through your household. It also lessens the burden of an entire house clean in one go.

When it comes to cleaning these areas, you should clean as normal then use a disinfectant over the top and let that air dry.

For disinfecting you want to look for an alcohol solution that contains at least 70% alcohol, a diluted bleach solution, or household disinfectants registered with the EPA or classes as hospital-grade. Make sure you’re wearing gloves while doing this too, and follow the directions on the product.

What Not to do When Cleaning High Touch Points

Don’t use expired cleaners, or mix bleach with any other cleaners.

Do this type of cleaning daily, if not multiple times a day, especially if someone in the home is sick and touching these areas often.

Happy disinfecting!