Keeping your home clean is important, but cleaning and disinfecting are not exactly the same thing.

Regular cleaning removes dirt, dust, and many germs from surfaces, while disinfection uses an appropriate product to kill germs that remain on surfaces. The CDC recommends regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and notes that additional disinfection may be appropriate when someone in the household is sick or at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

So, how often should you disinfect your home?

The answer depends on your household, how frequently surfaces are touched, and what’s happening in your home.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?

Before deciding how often to disinfect, it’s helpful to understand the difference.

Cleaning

Cleaning physically removes dirt, dust, debris, and many germs from surfaces using products such as soap or detergent and water.

For most homes, regular cleaning is the foundation of a healthy cleaning routine.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting uses a chemical product designed to kill germs on surfaces after appropriate cleaning.

Disinfection can be particularly helpful when someone is sick, after certain exposures, or in areas where frequently touched surfaces need additional attention.

The important takeaway: Disinfecting isn’t necessarily something you need to do to every surface in your home every day.

How Often Should You Disinfect Your Home?

There isn’t one schedule that works for every household.

Instead, think about your home’s high-touch surfaces, household members, and current circumstances.

🧼 Everyday Routine

Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly.

These may include:

• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Countertops
• Faucets
• Toilet handles
• Cabinet handles
• Tables
• Remote controls
• Frequently used electronics
• Other commonly touched surfaces

The CDC specifically recommends regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, handles, light switches, countertops, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

For many households, regular cleaning is enough for everyday maintenance.

When Someone in Your Home Is Sick

This is when disinfection becomes especially important.

If someone is sick, pay extra attention to surfaces they frequently touch.

Consider more frequent cleaning and disinfection of:

• Bathroom fixtures
• Door handles
• Light switches
• Countertops
• Tables
• Remote controls
• Phones and tablets
• Other frequently touched surfaces

The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in common areas when someone is sick.

If the sick person has a dedicated bathroom, additional cleaning and disinfection may be appropriate based on the circumstances and current health guidance.

What About Families With Children and Pets?

Homes with children and pets can have more frequent contact with floors, furniture, toys, countertops, and other surfaces.

Rather than disinfecting everything constantly, focus on:

1. Regular cleaning

Remove dirt, food residue, dust, and other buildup.

2. High-touch surfaces

Pay particular attention to surfaces that are touched frequently.

3. Messes as they happen

Clean spills, food residue, and visibly dirty areas promptly.

4. Areas used for food preparation

Keep kitchen surfaces clean and follow appropriate product instructions when disinfecting.

How Often Should You Have Professional Cleaning and Disinfection?

This is where a professional cleaning service can make life much easier.

The right schedule depends on your home and lifestyle.

Weekly Cleaning

Weekly service can be a good option for busy households that want consistent maintenance.

Bi-Weekly Cleaning

Bi-weekly service is a popular choice for homeowners who want professional cleaning without weekly visits.

Monthly Cleaning

Monthly cleaning can work well for households that do more routine cleaning themselves but want professional help with deeper maintenance.

Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning can be useful when your home needs more detailed attention beyond routine cleaning.

Professional Disinfection

Additional disinfection can be requested when appropriate, particularly when there has been illness in the household or when certain high-touch areas require extra attention.

Professional cleaning doesn’t necessarily mean disinfecting every surface every time. A good cleaning plan should focus on the actual needs of your home.

Why Professional Cleaning Can Make a Difference

Keeping up with an entire house can be time-consuming.

Professional cleaners can help with the tasks that often get pushed to the bottom of your list.

Instead of spending your weekend:

🧹 Vacuuming
🧽 Scrubbing
🧼 Cleaning bathrooms
✨ Wiping surfaces
🗑️ Emptying trash
🧴 Cleaning the kitchen

—you can spend that time with your family, relax, or simply enjoy your home.

We help you get your time back.

Don’t Forget High-Touch Areas

When cleaning your home, it’s easy to focus on floors and countertops while overlooking the surfaces everyone touches throughout the day.

Make these areas part of your regular cleaning routine:

🚪 Door Handles

Touched by everyone coming and going.

💡 Light Switches

Often overlooked but frequently touched.

🚰 Faucets

Especially important in kitchens and bathrooms.

📱 Phones & Electronics

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning or disinfecting electronics.

🍽️ Kitchen Surfaces

Clean food-contact surfaces appropriately and follow product directions.

🚽 Bathroom Fixtures

Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup and keeps frequently touched surfaces fresh.

Professional Disinfection Should Be Done Safely

If you’re using disinfectants yourself, always read and follow the product label.

The EPA advises using disinfectants according to their labeled directions and paying attention to required contact time and safety precautions. Good ventilation can also help reduce exposure to cleaning and disinfecting products.

Never mix cleaning chemicals unless the product instructions specifically allow it. Some combinations can produce dangerous fumes.

How Do You Know If Your Home Needs Professional Cleaning?

You may benefit from professional cleaning if:

✔ Cleaning keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list
✔ Dust and dirt are building up
✔ Your kitchen and bathrooms need extra attention
✔ You’re preparing for guests
✔ Someone in the household has been sick
✔ You’re moving into or out of a property
✔ You’ve recently completed construction or remodeling
✔ You simply want more time to enjoy your home

Let Mop & Glow Take Cleaning Off Your To-Do List

At Mop & Glow, we understand that keeping your home clean can feel like a never-ending job.

That’s why we provide professional cleaning services designed to make your life easier.

Our services include:

• Standard House Cleaning
• Deep Cleaning
• Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning
• Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Cleaning
• Residential Cleaning
• Commercial Cleaning
• Airbnb Turnover Cleaning
• Post-Construction Cleaning
• Disinfection

Whether you need regular maintenance or a more detailed cleaning, we’re here to help you create a cleaner, more comfortable space.

Ready to Get Your Time Back?

Let Mop & Glow handle the cleaning while you focus on what matters most.

📞 Call or Text: (508) 374-9362
📧 Email: info@mop-and-glow.com
🌐 Website: www.mop-and-glow.com

Mop & Glow — Clean Spaces. Brighter Places.

Published by: Ralph Ryan T Ugahayon

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