How to Clean Light Switches and High-Touch Surfaces
Light switches, door handles, faucet taps, and remote controls are touched dozens of times a day by everyone in your household — and they're almost never cleaned. Studies consistently find that light switches and remote controls carry more bacteria than toilet seats. Here's how to clean them quickly and properly.
Why High-Touch Surfaces Matter
Standard cleaning focuses on visible dirt — floors, counters, sinks. High-touch surfaces look clean because they don't show grime visually, but they're microbial hotspots. During cold and flu season in Toronto, cleaning these surfaces is one of the most effective things you can do to reduce household transmission.
What You'll Need
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%+ (best for electronics and painted surfaces)
- Disinfectant wipes (Lysol or Clorox)
- Cotton swabs for tight corners
- Microfibre cloth
Light Switches and Outlet Plates
Dampen a microfibre cloth with isopropyl alcohol — not soaking, just damp. Wipe the switch plate and the switch itself. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol for the edges and corners where grime accumulates. Never spray liquid directly onto a switch — moisture can get behind the plate and into the wiring.
Door Handles and Knobs
Spray a disinfectant wipe or cloth with alcohol and wipe the entire handle — top, sides, and underneath where fingers actually grip. Pay attention to the base where the handle meets the door plate, which collects skin oils and grime.
Faucet Handles
Kitchen and bathroom faucet handles are touched with dirty hands constantly. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe or cloth dampened with all-purpose cleaner. The base of the handle where it meets the sink deck is a calcium and soap buildup zone — use a cotton swab here.
Remote Controls
Remove batteries first if possible. Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol (not wet — just damp) and wipe the entire surface. Use a cotton swab between the buttons. Never use bleach on remotes — it degrades the rubber buttons.
Phones, Tablets, and Keyboards
Use isopropyl alcohol 70% on a microfibre cloth — this is safe for most screen coatings. Never use window cleaner (the ammonia strips oleophobic coatings). Wipe the screen, back, and sides. For keyboards, use a cotton swab between keys.
Stair Railings and Bannisters
Wipe with an all-purpose disinfectant spray and cloth. The top surface and the underside where hands grip from below are both high-contact zones.
How Often
- Weekly: As part of your regular clean — takes 5 minutes
- Daily: During cold/flu season or when someone in the home is sick
- After guests: Always a good habit after having people over
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