Transmission via fomites represents a potential pathway for various pathogens to disseminate in institutional settings. In healthcare environments, elevator buttons are frequently protected with diverse plastic coverings; yet, scant data exist on how different plastic types influence disinfection efficacy. This research sought to determine the most appropriate plastic material for wrapping elevator buttons and to establish suitable cleaning frequencies. Six covering materials were evaluated: polyethylene (PE), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) wraps; a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) keyboard protector; and a polyethylene terephthalate-ethylene vinyl acetate (PET-EVA) laminating film. Microbial contamination on buttons at varying time points was assessed via adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence testing. Findings revealed that PVDC wraps exhibited greater durability than PMP, PVC, and PE materials, while also demonstrating the lowest ATP readings across all six options. Among button positions, door-close buttons recorded the highest ATP levels, followed by door-open and first-floor buttons, at one- and three-hour marks (p = 0.024 and p < 0.001, respectively). Following standard disinfection, ATP concentrations rose quickly upon contact and became significantly elevated after three hours (p < 0.05). These data suggest that PVDC wraps offer sufficient resilience and minimal residual contamination when used on elevator buttons. Door-close and door-open buttons emerged as the most heavily contacted areas, necessitating thorough disinfection; accordingly, cleaning every three hours or less appears advisable.
