When the school year kicks off in Fargo-Moorhead, so does the cycle of runny noses, coughs, and surprise sick days. Between packed classrooms, shared supplies, and crowded buses, it’s no wonder kids bring home more than just homework. 🦠
The good news? A few simple cleaning habits can make a big difference in reducing the spread of germs at home. Let’s look at the biggest germ hotspots in your house—and how to disinfect them so your family can breathe easy.
1. Backpacks & Lunchboxes
Why they matter: Backpacks get dropped on classroom floors, stuffed into lockers, and set down almost anywhere. Lunchboxes see sticky hands, food spills, and more. Together, they’re prime germ carriers.
How to disinfect:
Wipe down backpacks weekly with a disinfecting wipe or spray safe for fabrics.
Empty lunchboxes daily and wash the inside with warm, soapy water. For hard-sided containers, disinfect with a vinegar-water spray.
2. Doorknobs & Light Switches
Why they matter: Everyone touches them, multiple times a day, often without thinking. Kids racing in from school don’t stop to wash their hands first.
How to disinfect:
Use a disinfecting wipe or microfiber cloth with a safe cleaning solution daily during the school year.
Pay extra attention to bedroom, bathroom, and front door handles.
3. Kitchen & Dining Tables
Why they matter: Homework, snacks, and family dinners all happen here. It’s a landing zone for germs straight from school.
How to disinfect:
Wipe surfaces with a food-safe disinfectant after meals and homework.
Don’t forget the chairs—kids grip the backs with unwashed hands.
4. Electronics (Tablets, Phones & Game Controllers)
Why they matter: Kids share devices at school, then come home to touch every screen in sight. Electronics can carry hundreds of bacteria per square inch.
How to disinfect:
Use microfiber cloths and electronic-safe disinfectant sprays or wipes.
Clean screens and controllers at least twice a week.
5. Bathroom Faucets & Handles
Why they matter: Bathrooms are a first stop after school, and faucets/handles see a lot of contact before hands are actually washed.
How to disinfect:
Spray with a bathroom-safe disinfectant daily.
For a quick fix, keep wipes nearby so kids can help sanitize, too.
Bonus Tip: Shoes & Entryways
Why they matter: Kids track in dirt, mud, and germs from buses and playgrounds.
How to disinfect:
Set up a designated shoe area by the door.
Mop or disinfect entry floors a few times a week.
Why Consistency is Key
Wiping down these hotspots just once won’t keep germs at bay. Consistency is what matters most. A quick 5-minute daily wipe-down can go a long way—but for busy families, that’s not always realistic.
That’s where a professional cleaning routine helps. With Dust Busters’ biweekly cleaning service, we take care of the hotspots you might miss, helping your home stay fresh, healthy, and ready for whatever the school year brings.
✅ Ready to protect your family this school year?
👉 Request a Free Quote today and let us handle the germ-fighting for you.