In Canadian homes, where families gather year-round, high-touch surfaces can become hotspots for germs, bacteria, and viruses. From the peak of cold and flu season during our long winters to everyday interactions, maintaining clean high-touch surfaces is crucial for protecting your family's health. This guide provides practical, science-backed advice for effectively deep cleaning these areas in your home.

Understanding High-Touch Surfaces in Canadian Homes

High-touch surfaces are those frequently contacted by multiple people throughout the day. In a typical Canadian household, these include:

• Entryways: Doorknobs (indoor and outdoor), light switches, doorbell, mailboxes.
• Kitchen: Countertops, cabinet handles, fridge and appliance doors, sink faucets, cutting boards.
• Living Areas: Remote controls, light switches, tables, bannisters.
• Bathrooms: Toilet handles, sink faucets, light switches, shower/tub handles, countertops.
• Electronics: Smartphones, tablets, keyboards, computer mice.
• Children's Items: Toys, play surfaces, high chairs.

According to Health Canada, regular cleaning and disinfection of these surfaces is a key measure in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

Why Regular Deep Cleaning Matters: The Science

Germs can survive on surfaces for varying lengths of time, from a few hours to several days. For instance, research published in the Journal of Hospital Infection indicates that some common viruses can persist on hard surfaces for up to 7 days.

• Transmission: Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face (eyes, nose, or mouth) is a primary way illnesses spread.
• Canadian Context: During winter, when windows are often closed and ventilation is reduced, indoor environments can concentrate airborne particles and surface contaminants. Studies show that respiratory viruses are more stable in lower temperatures and humidity, common in Canadian winters.

A 2020 study from the University of Guelph emphasized that consistent cleaning of high-contact surfaces is as vital as handwashing in reducing infection transmission.

Create an Effective Cleaning and Disinfection Plan

A systematic approach ensures all critical areas are addressed.

• Identify Key Surfaces: Make a checklist of all high-touch surfaces in your home.
• Choose Appropriate Products: Select cleaning agents and disinfectants that are effective and safe for your surfaces and family.
• Follow a Schedule: Determine how often each surface needs cleaning based on usage.

Optimize Your Cleaning Protocol

Effective cleaning involves more than just a quick wipe-down.

• Clean First, Then Disinfect: Cleaning with soap and water removes dirt and organic matter, allowing disinfectants to work more effectively. Health Canada provides a list of approved hard-surface disinfectants.
• Read Product Labels: Follow instructions for contact time – the duration a disinfectant needs to remain wet on a surface to kill germs. This can range from 30 seconds to several minutes.
• Use Microfiber Cloths: These cloths are better at trapping dirt and germs than traditional cotton cloths. Use different cloths for different areas (e.g., kitchen vs. bathroom) to prevent cross-contamination.
• Ventilate: Open windows if possible when using chemical cleaners to ensure good air circulation, especially important in well-sealed Canadian homes.

Evidence-based Cleaning Schedule

• Daily: Kitchen counters, sink faucets, bathroom surfaces, doorknobs in high-traffic areas.
• Several Times a Week: Remote controls, light switches, appliance handles.
• Weekly: Other high-touch surfaces, deep clean of kitchen and bathrooms.
• As Needed: After someone in the household has been ill, or after hosting guests.

TideBlaze Cleaning Protocols

At TideBlaze, our cleaning protocols for Canadian homes emphasize a two-step clean-and-disinfect process, using Health Canada-approved products. We focus on thoroughness and adherence to recommended contact times to ensure maximum germ-kill effectiveness.

Key High-Touch Surfaces and How to Clean Them

Doorknobs, Light Switches, and Handles

These are among the most frequently touched surfaces.

• Method: Clean with soap and water, then apply a disinfectant spray or wipe. Pay attention to the material (e.g., metal, plastic).
• Frequency: Daily, or more often if someone is sick.
• Research from the American Society for Microbiology has shown that viruses can transfer readily from doorknobs to hands.

Kitchen Countertops and Surfaces

Food preparation areas require diligent cleaning to prevent foodborne illnesses and cross-contamination.

• Method: Clean with hot, soapy water. Disinfect with a food-safe disinfectant, especially after contact with raw meat or poultry. CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) offers guidelines for kitchen hygiene.
• Frequency: After every meal preparation and daily.

Bathroom Fixtures

Bathrooms are prone to bacteria and virus growth.

• Method: Clean sinks, faucets, toilet handles, and countertops with a bathroom cleaner, then disinfect.
• Frequency: Daily for high-use bathrooms.

Electronics (Remotes, Phones, Keyboards)

These often-overlooked items can harbor many germs.

• Method: Power down electronics first. Use an alcohol-based wipe (at least 70% alcohol) or a disinfectant specifically designed for electronics. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto devices.
• Frequency: Several times a week. A University of Arizona study found cell phones carry significantly more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Children's Toys

Especially important if children are young or attend daycare/school.

• Method: Hard, non-porous toys can be washed with soap and water and then disinfected. Soft toys can often be laundered. Check manufacturer's instructions.
• Frequency: Weekly, or more often for frequently used toys or if a child is ill.

Natural Cleaning Alternatives

For families preferring fewer chemicals, some natural options can be effective for cleaning, though their disinfection capabilities vary.

• Vinegar: Diluted white vinegar can clean surfaces but is not a registered disinfectant against many viruses.
• Baking Soda: A good abrasive for scrubbing.
• Steam Cleaners: Can sanitize surfaces using high heat. Effective on many surfaces but ensure they are heat-tolerant. Research published in Food Protection Trends suggests that while vinegar has some antimicrobial properties, it may not be sufficient for all pathogens found in homes.

Maintaining a Healthy Home Year-Round in Canada

Beyond just high-touch surfaces:

• Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is a cornerstone of illness prevention, as advised by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
• Regular Home Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping reduce overall germ load.
• Improve Ventilation: Especially during winter, ensure good airflow through mechanical ventilation systems (HRVs/ERVs) or by briefly opening windows when weather permits.
• Laundry: Wash bedding, towels, and cleaning cloths regularly in hot water.

Consider Professional Deep Cleaning Services

For a comprehensive deep clean, especially during busy times or after an illness in the household, professional services can be beneficial.

Professional Service Advantages

• Thoroughness: Professionals are trained to clean areas often missed during routine cleaning.
• Appropriate Products: They use effective, often commercial-grade, cleaning and disinfecting agents suitable for various surfaces.
• Time-Saving: Frees up your time while ensuring a hygienically clean home.
• Specialized Equipment: Access to equipment that can provide a deeper clean than typical household tools.

Effectiveness Data

A survey by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) indicates that professional cleaning services can significantly reduce the levels of bacteria and viruses on surfaces in homes and businesses.

Final Thoughts

Consistently cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces is a fundamental practice for maintaining a healthy home environment for your family in Canada. By understanding which surfaces pose the highest risk and implementing effective cleaning strategies, you can significantly reduce the spread of germs year-round.

Professional Help Available

If you're looking for expert assistance in maintaining a hygienically clean home, TideBlaze offers specialized deep cleaning services across Canada. Our trained professionals use Health Canada-approved products and follow rigorous protocols to ensure your home's high-touch surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Book your professional cleaning service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is a healthier space for your family.