Keeping High-Touch Surfaces Clean 

Summer is in the rearview mirror. Schools are in session, there is a chill in the air, and the holiday season is right around the corner. With the hustle and bustle that this time of year brings, it also comes with its’ downsides: the arrival of the cold and flu seasons. To stay healthy and germ-free in the workplace and school, cleanliness is key. Learn about the various categories of high-touch surfaces, and how CMF can supply any office or school with the proper cleaning supplies and workplace solutions to keep staff and students germ-free.  

What is a High-Touch Surface?

Let’s start by defining what a high-touch surface is. A high-touch surface is any surface that frequently comes into contact with people’s hands. Because these surfaces in the workplace or school are touched by many people, they can easily become contaminated with germs. There are several categories that make up the high-touch surfaces umbrella.  

Communal Spaces 

These include door handles, light switches, stair railings, lunchrooms, reception areas, waiting rooms, and classrooms.  

Bathroom Spaces 

These include toilets, sinks, flush handles, hand dryers, and sinks.  

Work Surfaces and Shared Equipment 

These include desktops, keyboards, mice, pens, phones, printers, headsets, touch screens, and storage cabinets.  

  

Cleaning, Disinfecting, & Sanitizing: What Is the difference?  

Now that you know what a high-touch surface is, how do you keep everything clean to ensure slowing the spread of germs and sickness? Knowing the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing is a good start for proper cleaning techniques that will keep a staff and student body healthy. 

Cleaning can be done with soap and water. It removes dirt and impurities from the surface of objects. However, it does not kill germs.  

Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs on objects. The disinfecting process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing them it will lower the spread of infection.  

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs to a safe level which is achieved by cleaning or disinfecting.  

The goal is to stock cleaning supplies that both clean (removes germs) and disinfect (kills germs) surfaces to keep equipment and spaces sanitized to help lower the spread of sickness.  

How to Set Yourself Up for Success 

Now that you know what a high-touch surface is and the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, CMF can finish the job by setting you up for success. Did you know the flu virus can stay alive for close to 48 hours after it has been deposited on a surface? Knowing what will keep your space sanitized is important but knowing how to keep your space properly sanitized will set you and your staff up for health year-round.  

Routine Cleaning 

Routine cleaning is something that every staff member can do. It does not require a janitorial service to come in and clean your facility. It simply requires having cleaning supplies like bleach wipes and hand sanitizers easily accessible in high-traffic areas. This encourages frequent cleaning by staff. Wiping down a reception desk or counter in the break room will reduce the transmission of germs, which in turn keeps everyone safe and healthy.  

Organized Workspaces 

A cluttered desk is not only a cluttered mind, but also one that is unable to be sanitized properly. A desk that is cluttered with folders, pens, wires, and picture frames does not promote proper cleaning. It is important to have an organized space to remain healthy. Have a plan in place and keep your supply closet full of everything you need.  

The CMF Solution 

Having an organized space, a plan in place, and a supply closet full of everything your staff needs will keep staff and students happy and healthy. CMF has an array of cleaning products by the brands you trust organized in categories that allow for easy shopping. Whether you are looking for hand sanitizers, detergents, towels, or face masks, let CMF provide all your janitorial needs.