When the sun is out and windows are open, it’s easy to feel like germs have packed up and gone on vacation. After all, cold and flu season is behind us, right? While summer might feel like a low-risk time for illness, the truth is that viruses and bacteria don’t take a break—and neither should your cleaning habits.
One small but often overlooked task that can make a big difference in your home’s hygiene? Disinfecting door handles.
Here’s why this simple habit matters year-round—and especially during summer.
- Viruses Don’t Disappear in Warm Weather
It’s a common misconception that viruses die off in the heat. While some respiratory viruses (like certain strains of the flu) tend to be more active in colder months, many germs thrive year-round. Norovirus, stomach bugs, common colds, and even COVID-19 can still spread in the summer—and your hands are a main vehicle for transmission.
Door handles are one of the most frequently touched surfaces in your home. Every time someone comes in from school, work, the grocery store, or a barbecue, they bring germs with them. Disinfecting those handles regularly is a quick way to stop those germs from spreading.
- Summer = More Visitors, More Touches
Summer often means more traffic through your home—friends over for cookouts, kids running in and out, guests coming to visit. With more hands on your doorknobs, there’s more opportunity for bacteria and viruses to linger.
It’s not just about the front door either. Think about:
Bathroom doorknobs
Refrigerator handles
Sliding doors to the patio
Garage entryways
Wiping these down just a couple of times a week can help maintain a healthier space for your family and visitors.
- Germs Can Stick Around on Surfaces Longer Than You Think
Depending on the surface and the type of bacteria or virus, germs can survive on doorknobs for hours or even days. During warmer months, sweat, sunscreen, and increased hand contact can create a surface where bacteria thrive.
Disinfecting with a simple alcohol-based cleaner, disinfectant spray, or antibacterial wipe can eliminate most of these germs quickly and easily.
How to Make It a Habit
Keeping your door handles clean doesn’t have to be a chore. Try these tips:
Keep a container of disinfecting wipes near your entryway.
Add doorknob disinfecting to your weekly cleaning checklist.
Get the family involved—kids can help clean bedroom or bathroom door handles.
Set a recurring reminder on your phone every few days.
Just a few seconds of effort can protect your family from days of discomfort or illness.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation—but that doesn’t mean it’s time to relax your hygiene routines. Door handles are high-touch surfaces that quietly collect germs, and regular disinfecting is one of the simplest ways to keep your home healthy year-round.
So go ahead—open your windows, enjoy the breeze, and keep those handles clean while you’re at it. Your future self (and your immune system) will thank you.
