Essential Holiday Cleaning Tips to Break the Chain of Infection with High Touch Areas

Nicholas Hamilton, BSM, CHESP
Dec 2, 2025
3 min read

The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and plenty of visitors. But with so many people coming and going, the risk of spreading germs and infections increases. High touch areas in your home become hotspots for bacteria and viruses, making it essential to clean them thoroughly. Understanding how infections spread and focusing on these key spots can help keep everyone safe and healthy during the festivities.

Understanding the Chain of Infection

Infections spread through a cycle called the chain of infection. This cycle includes a source of germs, a way for germs to travel, a place for germs to enter a new host, and a susceptible person. Breaking any link in this chain stops the spread of illness.

During the holidays, germs often travel on surfaces that many people touch, such as door handles, light switches, and kitchen counters. Cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces regularly interrupts the chain and reduces the chance of infections spreading.

Top Five High Touch Areas to Clean During the Holidays

1. Door Handles and Knobs

Door handles are touched every time someone enters or leaves a room. This makes them one of the most common places for germs to accumulate.

Use a disinfectant spray or wipes on all door handles, including front doors, bathroom doors, and cabinet knobs.
Pay attention to both sides of the handle.
Clean these surfaces daily, especially if guests are visiting frequently.

2. Light Switches

Light switches are often overlooked but are touched multiple times a day by everyone in the household.

Wipe down light switches with disinfectant wipes or a cloth dampened with a cleaning solution.
Avoid using too much liquid to prevent damage to the electrical components.
Include switches in all rooms where guests will be present.

3. Kitchen Surfaces and Appliances

The kitchen is a central gathering spot during the holidays, and many hands touch countertops, refrigerator handles, and appliance buttons.

Clean and disinfect countertops before and after food preparation.
Wipe down refrigerator handles, microwave buttons, and coffee maker controls regularly.
Use separate cloths or disposable wipes for kitchen cleaning to avoid cross-contamination.

4. Bathroom Fixtures

Bathrooms are critical areas for infection control because of their frequent use and moisture, which can help germs thrive.

Disinfect faucet handles, toilet flush levers, and door locks daily.
Clean sink areas and countertops with a suitable disinfectant.
Provide hand soap and encourage guests to wash hands thoroughly.

5. Remote Controls and Electronics

Remote controls, tablets, and other shared electronics are touched often but rarely cleaned.

Use disinfectant wipes safe for electronics to clean remotes, game controllers, and touchscreens.
Encourage guests to sanitize their hands before using shared devices.
Consider limiting shared use or providing individual devices if possible.

Practical Tips to Maintain Cleanliness

Create a cleaning schedule to ensure high touch areas are disinfected regularly throughout the holiday period.
Use EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective against viruses and bacteria.
Wash hands frequently and provide hand sanitizer stations in common areas.
Encourage guests to remove shoes at the door to reduce dirt and germs tracked inside.
Ventilate rooms by opening windows when possible to reduce airborne germs.

Why Breaking the Chain Matters

Breaking the chain of infection protects not only your household but also your guests. Many people may carry viruses without symptoms, so cleaning high touch areas helps reduce the risk of spreading illness unknowingly. This is especially important for protecting children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems during the holidays.

By focusing on these five key areas and maintaining good hygiene practices, you create a safer environment for everyone to enjoy the season.