Disinfectant cleaning is one of the most important habits to keep your home safe and healthy—especially in a busy city like Toronto where germs are just part of everyday life. But not everyone uses disinfectants the right way, and that can leave your home looking clean but still full of bacteria. These five tips will help you clean smarter and make sure you’re actually killing germs, not just pushing them around.
1. Always Clean Before You Disinfect
A lot of people jump right into spraying disinfectant on dirty surfaces, but that doesn’t actually work. Disinfectants are made to kill germs on clean surfaces, not dirty ones. If there’s grease, crumbs, or dust in the way, the disinfectant can’t reach the germs underneath. That means you’re wasting product and not getting the protection you think you are.
Start by wiping down the surface with warm water and a general-purpose cleaner or soap. This removes dirt and grime and preps the area for the disinfectant to do its job properly. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial if you want your home to be truly clean and germ-free.
If you’re cleaning something like a kitchen counter after prepping food, or a bathroom sink that gets daily use, always go through the clean-then-disinfect process. It only takes a few extra minutes and makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of your cleaning routine.
2. Let Disinfectant Sit — Don’t Wipe It Off Too Fast
One of the most common disinfecting mistakes is spraying and immediately wiping the product off. Most disinfectants need to stay wet on a surface for a certain amount of time, called the “dwell time,” to work properly. If you wipe too soon, you’re not giving the product enough time to kill germs.
Always read the label on your disinfectant. Most will recommend leaving the surface wet for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. During that time, the ingredients are actively killing bacteria and viruses. If the surface dries too quickly, you can reapply a little more to keep it moist for the full dwell time.
Letting disinfectant sit might require a bit of patience, but it’s a small habit that really pays off. Whether you’re disinfecting your bathroom, kitchen, or even your front door handle, giving it time to work means a safer, cleaner space for everyone in your home.
3. Focus on High-Touch Areas Daily
High-touch surfaces are the ones that get touched all the time without people thinking about it—like doorknobs, light switches, fridge handles, and even your TV remote. These spots are hotspots for germs, especially if someone in your house has been sick recently. That’s why disinfecting them daily is key.
Keep disinfectant wipes or a spray and cloth handy for quick touch-ups in these areas. You don’t have to deep clean them every day, but a daily disinfectant pass can really cut down on the spread of germs around your home. It only takes a minute or two but makes a huge impact on hygiene.
In Toronto’s busy households, especially those with kids or roommates, high-touch cleaning is one of the best habits you can build. These surfaces might not look dirty, but they’re often the dirtiest places in your home. Staying on top of them daily helps everyone stay healthier.
4. Use the Right Disinfectant for the Job
Not every disinfectant is a one-size-fits-all solution. Some are meant for hard surfaces like counters and tiles, while others are safer for electronics or soft furnishings. Using the wrong one could either damage your surfaces or simply not kill the germs you’re trying to get rid of.
When choosing a disinfectant, look for products that are approved to kill viruses and bacteria. If you’re cleaning around pets or kids, go for something that’s non-toxic and doesn’t leave behind strong fumes. For areas like touchscreens or keyboards, use disinfectant wipes that are safe for electronics and won’t cause damage.
Using the right product means better results and less hassle. If you’re not sure what to use, it’s okay to ask or even bring in a pro. The team at Toronto Shine Cleaning knows exactly which products work best on each surface, so you don’t have to guess or risk doing damage.
5. Don’t Forget Shared Items
In shared households—whether it’s with family, roommates, or even Airbnb guests—there are lots of items everyone touches all the time. Think bathroom faucets, microwave buttons, kettle handles, and game controllers. These get handled by multiple people daily and can spread germs quickly.
Disinfecting shared items regularly helps keep everyone safe. Keep a pack of disinfectant wipes nearby and do a quick wipe-down of common-use items a few times a week, or more often if someone is under the weather. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in how clean your home actually feels.
When it comes to shared items, consistency is key. You don’t have to go overboard, but regular disinfecting keeps your home feeling fresh and shows your roommates or family you care about everyone’s health and comfort.
Let Toronto Shine Cleaning Take the Work Off Your Plate
Disinfecting the right way takes more than a quick spray-and-wipe. It means knowing what to clean, how to use products properly, and being consistent—especially in a busy city like Toronto. Life gets hectic, and sometimes there just isn’t time to keep up with all the little things that matter.
That’s where Toronto Shine Cleaning comes in. Our team is trained to clean and disinfect your home with top-quality products and attention to detail. We follow best practices, focus on high-touch areas, and leave your space fresh, safe, and sparkling.
Want to take disinfecting off your to-do list? Book a cleaning today with Toronto Shine Cleaning and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in great hands.
