How to Clean High-Touch Surfaces Safely and Effectively

Running a residential cleaning company means you do more than remove dust—you provide peace of mind. Few tasks deliver on that promise like caring for high-touch surfaces: door handles, cabinet pulls, and light switches. These small fixtures see heavy daily use and collect smudges, oils, and invisible microbes. Ignoring them can undo the polished look you’ve worked hard to create.

Small Surfaces, Big Impact

Even in low-traffic homes, these touchpoints are used dozens of times a day. Hard, non-porous surfaces can harbor viruses and bacteria for days, silently spreading germs from person to person. A spotless floor loses its impact the moment someone grabs a sticky doorknob.

By incorporating high-touch cleaning into your service, you're not just making things look clean—you’re helping make them healthier too.

Clean First. Disinfect Only When It’s Truly Needed.

One of the most common cleaning mistakes is over-disinfecting. Many assume that spraying disinfectant everywhere during each visit adds protection—but in most cases, it’s unnecessary and can even be counterproductive.

Overuse of disinfectants can:

• Lead to chemical buildup

• Waste time and product

• Encourage resistant microbes that are harder to eliminate

And here’s the most important point: disinfectants only work when the surface is already clean. Grease, fingerprints, and invisible grime can block the disinfectant from reaching the surface, reducing its effectiveness.

That’s why the first and most important step is thorough cleaning—and for professionals who want proven, efficient results, Red Juice has been the go-to solution for over 40 years.

Why Red Juice Works So Well

• Biodegradable and non-toxic: Safe to use around people, pets, and food areas

• Cuts through grease and grime in seconds

• Leaves no residue

• All-purpose: Works on a wide range of surfaces, including metal, plastic, sealed natural stone, and painted trim

Using Red Juice with a microfiber cloth lifts away soils completely, leaving surfaces truly clean and ready—if needed—for disinfection.

When Disinfection Is Appropriate

Disinfection isn’t for every visit—but it’s still an important tool when used wisely. Reserve it for specific scenarios such as:

• After someone in the home has been ill

• Following guest-heavy events (holidays, parties, gatherings)
  

In these situations, always clean first—then apply disinfectant. Spray until the surface is visibly wet, allow the full dwell time (typically one minute), and then let air-dry or lightly buff.

A Note on “Cleaner + Disinfectant” Combos

It might seem convenient to use a product that claims to clean and disinfect in one step. But when surfaces are dirty, these dual-purpose formulas often fall short. The cleaning agents and disinfectant can interfere with each other, reducing overall effectiveness. A better approach is to separate the process: clean with Red Juice, then disinfect only when the situation truly calls for it.

Final Thoughts

Caring for high-touch areas isn’t about using harsher chemicals—it’s about using smarter methods. Cleaning thoroughly with Red Juice ensures the surface is safe, presentable, and ready for whatever comes next. And when it’s time to disinfect, doing so on a properly cleaned surface ensures real results—not just the appearance of safety.

Clean with purpose. Disinfect with intention. Deliver results your clients can trust.

Safe Cleaning,
Amy