The 6 high-touch surfaces you should always clean before and after hosting

One of the most crucial steps to hosting, and one that can be often overlooked, is ensuring that your home is clean and sanitized, particularly the high-touch surfaces that can harbor germs and bacteria.

High-touch surfaces are exactly what they sound like: areas in your home that are frequently touched by people. These surfaces can easily become hot-spots for fingerprints and marks, especially when guests come and go. Incorporating cleaning tips like these before and after hosting not only keeps your home looking pristine but also helps to safeguard the health of your family and friends.

Below, our experts identify the six most important high-touch surfaces you should focus on before and after hosting. Armed with this list, you can streamline your cleaning routine and feel confident knowing your home is as hygienic as it is welcoming.

6 high-touch surfaces to focus on when cleaning

Here is a guide for the six high-touch areas you should focus on when hosting.

1. Door handles and light switches

Door handles and light switches are some of the most frequently touched items in any home, making them a top priority for cleaning.

'Before your guests arrive, wipe down these surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray to eliminate germs and smudges,' says Daniel Brown, cleaning expert and CEO of Handy Cleaners. 'Be sure to pay attention to exterior door handles as well, especially the ones guests will use to enter your home.'

Following your event, go around your home and give these surfaces another round of cleaning with Method Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner Spray from Amazon ready for everyday use.

2. Kitchen countertops and appliances

Whether you are hosting a formal dinner party or drinks and nibbles, the kitchen is often one of the most high-trafficked areas in your home.

High-touch areas like your kitchen countertops, refrigerator handles, and appliance buttons can often become grubby with continual use.

Before hosting, clean your kitchen, sanitize these areas thoroughly, ensuring there are no marks or sticky spots, and, if your hosting over the holidays, make sure you know which appliances to deep clean before Christmas.

After the event, repeat the process to remove any spills or left-over food with an OXO Good Grips Dustpan and Brush Set from Amazon.

3. Bathroom fixtures

'Your bathroom will inevitably see a lot of use during any hosting event, so it’s essential to give it some extra attention,' says Brunson Sayes, cleaning expert and founder of Breathe Maids. 'Focus on cleaning faucet handles, toilet flush levers, and soap dispensers—all of which are high-touch surfaces.'

Provide disposable hand towels from Target or a fresh stack of cloth towels for guests, and stock the space with plenty of soap. After the event, sanitize these fixtures again and replace any used towels to maintain a fresh and clean bathroom. Additionally, check for any trash or clutter left behind, and consider airing out the bathroom to remove any lingering odors, something that people with nice-smelling bathrooms always do.

4. Remote controls and electronics

Television remotes, smart home devices, and gaming consoles can become high-touch surfaces when hosting, especially if your event involves watching a big game or a movie night.

For remotes and devices, clean with a little alcohol-based solution such as Honest Company Sanitizing Alcohol Wipes from Walmart. Spray on your microfiber cloth, not the device to avoid any liquid damage or electric shock risk.

The next day, check for any lingering spills or smudges around entertaining areas, reorganizing cables or accessories that might have been moved, decluttering and storing any items back in their correct place.

5. Dining table and chairs

When hosting friends and family, you should pay attention to the cleanliness and condition of your dining table chairs and these will often see plenty of action.

'Focus on chair backs and armrests that are often touched but easily overlooked,' recommends Jade Piper, the Operations Manager for BetterCleans. 'After the event, clean these surfaces again to remove any spillages, leaving them ready for your next use.

6. Decorative items

Finally, do not forget any decorative items and surfaces that your guests may want to touch or interact with, such as coffee table books, trays, candles, or shared serving utensils.

While these items might not immediately come to mind as high-touch surfaces, they will still be noticed by your guests if left unclean. Wipe down these items and areas before your guests arrive and then again at the end of the night, especially if they were frequently handled during the gathering.

Cleaning high-touch surfaces before and after hosting is a simple yet impactful way to care for your guests and your home. It’s not just about appearance – it’s about creating a clean and comfortable environment where everyone can relax and not worry about germs or cleanliness.

By incorporating these practices into your pre-hosting cleaning checklist, you can ensure your home remains inviting, healthy, and ready for your next dinner party.