Most people believe they’re keeping their homes clean, but the truth is that bad habits, overlooked areas, and improper disinfecting techniques could be allowing germs to stick around much longer than you think.
You wipe down the counters, spray the bathroom, and keep up with daily cleaning—so why are you still getting sick? The answer might surprise you.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ The #1 mistake most people make when disinfecting
✔ The high-touch surfaces that are dirtier than your toilet seat (yes, really)
✔ How to clean smarter, not harder, with the right disinfecting techniques
If you want a healthier home without extra effort, this is the deep clean you didn’t know you needed.
The #1 Mistake Most People Make When Disinfecting
Let’s get straight to it: You’re not letting disinfectants sit long enough.
Most people spray and wipe immediately, thinking that’s enough to kill bacteria and viruses. But disinfectants need dwell time—which means they have to stay on a surface for a set amount of time before being wiped away.
Why Dwell Time Matters
🕒 Too fast? The disinfectant won’t have time to kill germs, leaving bacteria behind.
🕒 Too little product? If the surface dries before the disinfectant works, it’s ineffective.
🕒 Wrong product? Some sprays or wipes don’t disinfect at all—they just clean dirt off the surface.
The Fix:
✔ Read the label on your disinfectant—it will tell you how long to let it sit.
✔ Use pre-moistened disinfecting wipes, which are designed to deliver the right amount of disinfectant without excess moisture or quick drying.
✔ Allow the disinfectant to fully air-dry before touching the surface again.
If you’re wiping too quickly, you’re just spreading germs around instead of killing them.
The High-Touch Surfaces Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat
Think your toilet seat is the dirtiest thing in your home? Think again. Studies show that several everyday household surfaces have more bacteria per square inch than a toilet seat—and most people forget to clean them properly.
Here Are the Germ Hotspots You’re Probably Missing:
📱 Your Phone
- Average germ count: 10x dirtier than a toilet seat
- Touched constantly but rarely disinfected.
- Picks up bacteria from hands, countertops, purses, and even restrooms.
How to clean it: Wipe down with a disinfecting wipe daily, especially after going out in public.
🖥 Your Computer Keyboard & Mouse
- Germ count: More bacteria than a kitchen sink.
- Food crumbs, sweat, and constant hand contact make keyboards and mice a breeding ground for germs.
How to clean it:
✔ Turn off your device.
✔ Use a disinfecting wipe designed for electronics to clean the surface.
✔ Don’t forget to clean between the keys!
🚪 Door Handles & Light Switches
- Touched hundreds of times a day, but when was the last time you wiped them?
- Flu viruses can live on doorknobs for up to 48 hours.
How to clean it: Wipe down door handles and light switches at least once a day, especially during flu season.
🛋 TV Remote
- Think about it: Multiple hands, sneezes, and snacks all touch the remote.
- Hotel remotes are some of the dirtiest objects tested—and your home’s remote isn’t much better.
How to clean it: Use a disinfecting wipe daily, especially if someone in the house is sick.
👜 Handbags, Backpacks, & Purses
- Set on floors, car seats, shopping carts—then placed on kitchen counters and tables.
- A study found E. coli on 25% of handbags tested.
How to clean it:
✔ Wipe handles and bottom surfaces of bags regularly.
✔ Avoid placing purses and backpacks on counters or tables.
How to Clean Smarter, Not Harder
Disinfecting doesn’t have to be complicated, but doing it the right way makes a huge difference in keeping your home germ-free.
✔ Use the Right Products
- Not all wipes are disinfecting—some are just for surface cleaning.
- Choose disinfecting wipes that kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.
✔ Clean High-Touch Surfaces Daily
- A 5-minute daily wipe-down of high-traffic areas prevents bacteria buildup.
- Keep disinfecting wipes in easy-to-reach places so you’ll actually use them.
✔ Let Disinfectants Sit
- Remember dwell time—let the disinfectant do its job before wiping it away.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Cleaning Routine Work for You
If you’re still getting sick despite regular cleaning, it’s time to rethink your disinfecting routine.
By letting disinfectants sit, targeting high-touch areas, and using the right wipes, you can eliminate germs effectively without extra effort.
Ready to clean smarter, not harder? Start by making small changes—and see how much healthier your home can be.
