You Don’t Need to Disinfect Every Time You Clean—But Here’s When (and What) You Should

You Don’t Need to Disinfect Every Time You Clean—But Here’s When (and What) You Should main image You Don’t Need to Disinfect Every Time You Clean—But Here’s When (and What) You Should image

Disinfecting is a powerful tool for keeping your home safe, but overdoing it can create its own problems. Studies suggest that excessive disinfectant use may promote resistant bacteria and worsen certain health conditions. Knowing when and where disinfecting is truly necessary ensures your efforts are effective without unnecessary risks.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?

  • Cleaning: Removes visible dirt and debris but doesn’t necessarily kill germs.
  • Sanitizing: Lowers the number of germs to a safe level.
  • Disinfecting: Kills most bacteria and viruses on surfaces, going beyond cleaning and sanitizing.

Each method has its purpose, and you don’t need to disinfect every surface daily. Below are the situations where disinfecting is essential.

When You Should Disinfect

After an Illness

If someone in your household has been sick, disinfecting is crucial. Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, advises disinfecting any surfaces or items the sick person came in contact with to kill germs and prevent the spread of illness.

After Handling Raw Meat

The USDA warns against washing raw meat to avoid spreading bacteria but strongly recommends disinfecting surfaces that come into contact with meat. Lisa Yakas, a microbiologist with NSF, explains that the kitchen often harbors E. coli and other harmful bacteria. Disinfecting during food prep reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

What Should Be Disinfected?

Kitchen Sink, Drain, and Disposal

The kitchen sink is a hotspot for bacteria. Yakas suggests disinfecting it before and after cooking—especially after handling raw meat. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant or a solution of one tablespoon bleach per gallon of water. Monthly, sanitize drains and disposals with a bleach solution, and wash sink strainers weekly in the dishwasher.

Countertops

A study by NSF found coliform bacteria on 30% of tested countertops, often introduced by raw food, dirty hands, or pets. Wash counters with hot, soapy water, rinse, then disinfect with a bleach solution or an appropriate disinfectant daily or after food prep.

Faucet Handles

Kitchen and bathroom faucet handles are breeding grounds for coliform bacteria, yeast, and mold. Yakas recommends cleaning them daily with disinfectant wipes, a bleach solution, or disinfecting cleaners.

Pet Toys and Accessories

Pet toys often harbor bacteria, yeast, and mold. Hard toys can be cleaned with hot soapy water, disinfected with a diluted bleach solution, and rinsed thoroughly. Soft toys should be washed in the laundry on a sanitizing cycle. Always follow the CDC’s guidelines on keeping children and pets away from wet disinfectants until they dry.

Tech Devices

High-touch tech items like phones, keyboards, and tablets can collect germs. Clean these surfaces with alcohol wipes containing at least 70% alcohol and let them air dry.

High-Touch Surfaces

Don’t overlook frequently touched items like doorknobs, appliance handles, cabinet doors, and faucet handles. These areas should be disinfected regularly, especially during or after illnesses.

Disinfecting Wisely

Effective disinfecting ensures your home stays safe without unnecessary exposure to chemicals. Focus on areas and items that are high-touch or prone to bacteria buildup, and disinfect when there’s a clear need—like after sickness or handling raw meat. This approach keeps your home clean, healthy, and free of overkill.