High-Touch Surface Cleaning in Offices: Why It Matters More Than Ever for Canadian Businesses

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July 22, 2026

High-Touch Surface Cleaning in Offices: Why It Matters More Than Ever for Canadian Businesses

While the obvious benefits of a clean office environment are hard to ignore, there are also deeper advantages to keeping the workplace sanitized and germ-free. Vacuums and trash bags alone, however, cannot eliminate the risk that is posed by the high-traffic surfaces that most people overlook. Door handles, elevator buttons, shared desks, light switches, keyboards, coffee machines, conference tables, and the reception desk are all touched dozens of times a day – often without any disinfecting in between. If your office is located in Calgary, Edmonton, or Toronto, you might want to consider scheduling a few high-traffic surface cleaning treatments.

What Are High-Touch Surfaces?

"What are considered high-touch surfaces in an office?"

As the name suggests, high-touch surfaces are any object or area that gets touched by more than one person frequently throughout the day. Because they act as transfer points for bacteria, commercial cleaning experts target these specific areas to prevent the spread of germs.

Some of the most common surfaces that commercial cleaning experts tend to target are:

  • Doorknobs

  • Elevator buttons

  • Reception desk

  • Computer keyboard

  • Office phones

  • Shared printers

  • Coffee machines

  • Refrigerator handles

  • Light switches

  • Handrails

  • Conference tables

  • Washroom fixtures

  • Time clocks

  • Touchscreen kiosks

Professional commercial cleaner from Services Pro sanitizing a modern reception desk to ensure a healthy workplace.
Why Is High-Touch Surface Cleaning Important?

1. Minimizing the spread of germs

Most germs and bacteria can live on a surface for up to a few days. Disinfecting treatments are necessary to kill harmful microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection.

2. Improving the health of employees

When the office is regularly cleaned and sanitized, sick days should remain at a minimum. Fewer sick employees mean:

  • Higher employee morale

  • Increased productivity

  • Fewer costs replacing absent staff

  • Better overall workplace environment

3. Creating a better first impression

The next time a client visits, pay close attention to the impression that a sparkling reception desk makes. A clean office environment speaks volumes about the professionalism of its staff.

4. Improving the overall safety of the workplace

Disinfecting treatments can remove excess dirt, grime, and bacteria from the workplace. This is of particular importance in healthcare facilities, retail stores, warehouses, schools, restaurants, and other office environments that see high foot traffic.

Close-up of an elevator button, representing common high-touch surfaces that require frequent commercial cleaning.
Top 10 Most Commonly Missed Surfaces That Are Home to Germs

Although most businesses understand the need for regular cleaning, many still miss a few crucial high-touch surfaces. Some of the most commonly overlooked objects are:

  • Microwave buttons

  • Water dispensers

  • Coffee machine handles

  • Refrigerator doors

  • Cabinet handles

  • Shared tablets

  • Computer mice

  • Boardroom remotes

  • Visitor pens

  • The reception counter

Professional janitorial services, on the other hand, have a detailed list of surfaces that need to be cleaned and sanitized during each visit.

How Often Should High-Touch Surfaces Be Cleaned?

Industry Scheduling Tip

It all comes down to the specific needs of your business. Office buildings typically require light cleaning and disinfecting on a daily basis, whereas medical clinics and schools may need more intensive treatments several times a week. Retail stores and restaurants need continuous cleaning of high-traffic areas throughout the day.

A custom cleaning schedule will ensure that your business gets the most in terms of germ control.

Professional Cleaning Services Versus Employees

Many businesses prefer to leave light cleaning tasks to employees. When it comes to high-touch surface disinfection, however, it is best to call in professional commercial cleaning services that have the proper equipment and expertise. Professional cleaning services can achieve a much higher standard of cleaning due to their:

  • Access to hospital-grade disinfecting products

  • Strict adherence to commercial cleaning standards

  • Focus on high-traffic surfaces

  • Ability to maintain a strict cleaning schedule

  • Use of color-coded microfiber cloths to avoid cross-contamination

  • Consistent presence in the workplace regardless of staff changes

In many cases, regular in-house cleaning simply cannot compare to the level of service provided by professional janitorial services. When it comes to office environments, eco-friendly commercial cleaning products are the way to go. Not only are they safer for the environment, but they also promote better indoor air quality among employees and customers.

Happy employee working efficiently in a deeply cleaned and sanitized corporate office environment.
Industries That Can Benefit the Most from High Touch Surface Cleaning

High-touch surface disinfection tends to be especially important in the following industries:

  • Corporate offices

  • Medical clinics

  • Dental practices

  • Banks

  • Schools and daycares

  • Retail stores

  • Warehouses

  • Restaurants

  • Government buildings

  • Factories

Each of these industries has rather strict sanitation standards. Due to a high volume of visitors, businesses in the healthcare, education, and retail sectors tend to benefit the most from high-touch surface cleaning.

Uniformed professional commercial cleaner preparing to disinfect a medical clinic hallway.
When Should You Consider More Frequent Disinfecting Treatments?

You may want to consider more frequent disinfecting treatments if:

  • There are recurring employee sick days

  • There are visible signs of dust buildup around shared workstations

  • There are smudges on the glass entrance doors

  • The elevator buttons appear dirty

  • The breakroom is unsanitary

  • The garbage bins are consistently overflowing

  • The washrooms begin to smell unpleasant toward the end of the workday

  • There are frequent customer complaints regarding cleanliness

Why Hire a Professional Commercial Cleaning Company?

Professional commercial cleaning companies provide a wide range of benefits that most in-house cleaning crews cannot offer. A trustworthy commercial cleaning company will develop a custom cleaning schedule and stick to it without fail. Professional cleaning services use state-of-the-art equipment to remove germs, dirt, and bacteria from each surface.

Commercial cleaning experts will also maintain high standards of cleaning and conduct regular quality control inspections. Thanks to their experience, professional cleaning companies can eliminate potential health hazards in the workplace and create a healthier working environment for employees and customers. Evening and weekend cleaning appointments allow businesses to maintain high standards of cleanliness without disrupting the workflow of employees.

Eco-friendly commercial cleaning supplies including color-coded microfiber cloths and cleaning sprays.
Why Businesses Located in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto Trust in Services Pro

Services Pro offers a wide range of commercial cleaning services to businesses of all sizes. Regardless of what industry you operate in, our professional cleaning staff will handle all of your cleaning needs with care and precision.

We work around the clock to bring you the most comprehensive commercial cleaning services available. Our expert cleaners will always follow a custom cleaning schedule that is designed to meet the specific needs of your business. We are committed to bringing you unmatched quality of service that will help your business create a positive lasting impression on your customers. Ultimately, we want to help you create a healthy working environment where your employees feel comfortable and safe.

What are high-touch surfaces in an office?

High-touch surfaces are frequently used objects such as door handles, keyboards, phones, light switches, elevator buttons, and shared equipment that require regular cleaning and disinfection.

How often should office high-touch surfaces be disinfected?

Most offices should disinfect high-touch surfaces daily, while healthcare facilities, schools, and retail environments may require multiple cleanings throughout the day.

Why is professional office disinfection important?

Professional cleaners use commercial-grade disinfectants, proven cleaning methods, and detailed checklists to reduce germs, improve workplace hygiene, and maintain a healthier environment.

Can eco-friendly products effectively disinfect offices?

Yes. Many professional cleaning companies use environmentally responsible disinfectants that are effective against bacteria and viruses while being safer for employees and indoor air quality.

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