23 Aug The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
With concerns about germs and viruses at an all-time high, many people continue to seek ways to keep their spaces safe and healthy. However, there is often confusion about the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Understanding what sets them apart from one another can help you choose the right methods to keep your workplace healthy. Continue reading to learn about each of these options.
What Does Cleaning Entail?
Cleaning is the process of removing dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces. This typically involves using soap and water or detergents to remove visible particles. Cleaning doesn’t necessarily kill germs, but it helps reduce their numbers and lower the risk of spreading infection.
For example, when you clean a kitchen counter in the breakroom, you might wipe away crumbs and spills. While this makes the counter look nicer, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate harmful bacteria or viruses. However, cleaning is an essential first step because it removes organic material that can harbor germs and reduce the effectiveness of sanitizing and disinfecting agents.
Regular cleaning helps maintain a pleasant and safe work environment. It can be as simple as dusting surfaces, vacuuming floors, and washing windows. By controlling the presence of dirt and debris, you make it easier to spot areas that need more thorough sanitizing or disinfecting.
What About Sanitizing?
Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards. This process usually involves using a chemical solution, such as a sanitizer, to kill bacteria. Sanitizing is especially important in environments where food is prepared, as it helps prevent foodborne illnesses.
For instance, after cleaning that kitchen counter, you might use a sanitizer spray to reduce the presence of germs. As mentioned, this step is crucial in food preparation areas, where even small amounts of bacteria can cause health issues. Sanitizers are designed to kill a significant percentage of germs quickly and are often used in conjunction with cleaning.
Sanitizing is also essential in childcare settings, hospitals, and places with vulnerable populations. By reducing the number of germs to safer levels, sanitizing helps protect individuals against infections and promotes a healthier environment.
What Is Disinfecting?
Disinfecting goes further than sanitizing by killing nearly all germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfectants are stronger chemicals designed to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Disinfecting is critical in areas where harmful pathogens are likely present, such as bathrooms, healthcare facilities, and high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches.
For example, after cleaning a bathroom sink, you might use a disinfectant spray to kill any remaining germs. Disinfectants must remain on surfaces for a certain amount of time to be effective—often several minutes. This contact time allows the chemicals to penetrate and destroy the germs thoroughly.
Disinfecting is not always necessary for every surface, but it is crucial for preventing the spread of illness in high-risk areas. Using products labeled as disinfectants ensures that you are achieving the highest level of germ-killing action.
The Right Time To Clean
Knowing when to clean versus when to sanitize or disinfect can be confusing. Generally, cleaning is appropriate for everyday tasks and visible dirt removal. Regular cleaning keeps your environment free from dust, dirt, and allergens, making it a pleasant place to work.
For example, cleaning your office desk daily helps keep clutter under control and makes it easier to focus on work. Furthermore, wiping down surfaces with soap and water removes grime and prepares the area for additional sanitizing or disinfecting.
Regularly cleaning floors, windows, and furniture in public spaces helps maintain a welcoming workplace appearance. It also makes it easier to spot areas that need more intensive germ control measures, such as sanitizing or disinfecting.
When To Sanitize
Sanitizing is appropriate when you need to reduce the number of germs to safe levels but not necessarily kill all of them. This is particularly relevant in places where food is handled or where people are at risk of infection.
Sanitizing is also essential in communal areas where germs can spread quickly. Regularly sanitizing high-touch surfaces like counters and desks helps keep the work environment safer for everyone.
When To Disinfect
Disinfecting is necessary to ensure that nearly all germs are killed. This is especially important in healthcare settings, bathrooms, and areas where illness outbreaks have occurred.
For example, if someone in your office has been sick, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and keyboards helps prevent the spread of illness. Using a disinfectant with proven efficacy against viruses and bacteria ensures that you take the strongest possible action to protect your staff’s health.
The Right Products
With so many cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products on the market, choosing the right ones can seem overwhelming. Be sure to look for products that are appropriate for your specific needs and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
For cleaning, general-purpose cleaners with soap or detergent are usually sufficient. Look for products labeled as sanitizers and ensure they suit the surfaces you are treating. For disinfecting, choose EPA-registered disinfectants that have been proven effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
Reading labels and understanding each product’s intended use helps you achieve the best results. Using the right products for the right tasks ensures you effectively maintain a clean and healthy work environment.
Team Education
In workplaces and communal settings, it is crucial to educate your team about the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Clear guidelines and training ensure everyone understands their roles in maintaining a healthy environment.
Provide training sessions on proper techniques, product use, and the importance of regular maintenance. Encourage employees to take responsibility for their own workspaces and common areas. By fostering a culture of cleanliness and accountability, you create a healthier environment for everyone.
The Role of Professional Services
While regular maintenance is essential, professional cleaning services can provide extra protection in the workplace. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to perform deep cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting that goes beyond everyday efforts.
Hiring a professional service ensures that your space receives the highest level of care. These professionals can identify areas that may be overlooked and provide thorough cleaning that meets industry standards.
In Conclusion
Understanding the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment. Each process plays a unique role in controlling germs and preventing the spread of illness. Using the right products and techniques ensures that your workplace remains clean and safe.
If your office is seeking additional support, our commercial cleaning services in San Antonio provide expert solutions. Whether you require routine maintenance or specialized disinfecting, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward a cleaner, healthier work environment.