Disinfecting Isn't Always Necessary During Cleaning—Here’s When and What to Focus On

While disinfectants are often used to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and germs during cleaning, excessive use can be counterproductive. Over-disinfecting may contribute to resistant bacteria and worsen health issues for certain individuals. It’s crucial to understand when and how to disinfect effectively. Here’s a guide on the right times and areas to disinfect in your home.

When to Disinfect Your Home

After a Sickness

Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, emphasizes the importance of disinfecting your home after an illness or if someone is immune-compromised. This helps eliminate viruses, bacteria, and germs. She suggests disinfecting all items the sick individual may have touched.

After Handling Raw Meat

The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns against washing raw meat and poultry to prevent cross-contamination, which can spread bacteria and cause illnesses like Campylobacter or Salmonella poisoning. While you shouldn't wash the meat itself, it’s essential to disinfect all surfaces and tools that came into contact with the raw meat during preparation.

According to Lisa Yakas, a microbiologist at NSF, a global public health and safety organization, disinfecting is crucial when handling raw meat. “Our research shows E. coli is most common in kitchens, so thorough cleaning and disinfecting during food prep can greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses,” she explains.

What You Should Disinfect

Kitchen Sink, Drain, and Disposal

Yakas highlights that kitchen sinks harbor a significant amount of microorganisms and advises disinfecting them both before and after cooking, particularly when dealing with raw meat. “Consider using an EPA Safer Choice disinfecting cleaner or cleaning the sink with a bleach solution made from one tablespoon of bleach mixed with one gallon of water,” she suggests.

She also recommends sanitizing kitchen drains and disposals once a month by flushing them with a solution of one tablespoon of household bleach diluted in one quart of water. “Additionally, clean kitchen sink strainers in the dishwasher every week,” Yakas adds.

Countertops

A NSF study revealed that coliform bacteria were present on countertops in 30% of the homes examined. “Coliform can originate from various food sources, such as unwashed produce and raw meat or poultry,” Yakas notes. “It can also be introduced into kitchens through improperly washed hands or contact with pets, including their dishes and toys.”

Start by washing countertops with hot, soapy water, followed by rinsing with clean water. Yakas advises disinfecting them using a bleach solution (as mentioned earlier) or a disinfectant suitable for your countertop type. This should be done daily or after every meal preparation.

Faucet Handles

“In the NSF study, faucet handles in both kitchens and bathrooms were found to contain coliform bacteria, yeast, and/or mold,” Yakas states. She suggests cleaning them daily with a disinfecting cleaner, bleach solution, or disinfecting wipes.

Pet Toys and Other Items

A study by NSF revealed that pet toys often harbor coliform bacteria, including Staph bacteria, along with yeast and mold. Yakas recommends that all household members wash their hands after interacting with pets, particularly before meals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that regular cleaning suffices for most pet toys, but those exposed to feces or urine require disinfection. Increased disinfection is advised if pets or family members are prone to illness.

“For hard toys, Yakas recommends cleaning with hot soapy water, followed by rinsing, disinfecting with a mild bleach solution, and air drying. Soft toys, she notes, can be effectively cleaned in the washing machine using the sanitizing cycle.

Tech Devices and Accessories

Disinfecting a home after illness is challenging due to uncertainty about contaminated surfaces, but focusing on key areas can help. Yakas points out that keyboards and touch screens are hotspots for germs and should be wiped with a disinfectant or alcohol solution of at least 70% alcohol and left to air dry. Regularly disinfecting phones and other frequently used tech devices is also beneficial.

High-Touch Items

Yakas emphasizes that high-touch areas like doorknobs, appliance handles, cabinet doors, and kitchen and bathroom faucet handles should be prioritized during disinfection.