When using cloths instead of single-use paper towels, these should be replaced often and used separately for different areas. The Tork?® brand offers colored cloths in red, yellow, blue, green, white and grey. The cloths are durable, but it is important to replace them regularly to minimize spread.

Frequently touched surfaces that require extra attention:

Taps and flush buttons Handrails Elevator buttons Shared office phones or workstations Door knobs Light switches Printers/copying machines Coffee machines

Dr. Allison Aiello ™s cleaning advice to prevent cross-contamination:

Use single-use paper towels and a detergent spray when wiping frequently touched surfaces. Dispose of the towels immediately afterwards. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection is needed. If you use cloths instead of single-use paper towels, use disposable cloths or replace them regularly. Keep cloths for different areas separated and avoid contact between different surfaces to avoid cross-contamination. The different cloths should be easy to keep track of. The dryer, the safer. When washing areas like the kitchen, use a highly absorbent paper afterwards to get surfaces really dry. Don ™t use the same cloth on several high risk objects.

Source: University of Michigan