Clean-vs-Sanitize-vs-Disinfect

Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting are all essential processes for maintaining good health and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

By understanding the differences between these methods and using the right products for each situation, you can effectively reduce the number of germs and bacteria on surfaces and keep your buildings clean and germ-free. 

What is the difference?

Cleaning is the process of removing dirt, dust and other visible debris from surfaces. It does not kill germs or bacteria but it helps to reduce their numbers. Sanitizing is the process of reducing the number of germs and bacteria on surfaces. It does not necessarily kill all germs and bacteria but reduces their numbers to a level safe for humans. Disinfecting is the process of killing germs and bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. It is an important process for reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

When should you use each process?

Cleaning is necessary to remove the dirt and grime and should be done when surfaces are visibly dirty or dusty. It is good practice to clean before sanitizing or disinfecting. Sanitizing should be done when you need to reduce the number of germs and bacteria on surfaces to a safe level. It is suitable for areas that are in contact with food or where people gather, such as kitchen countertops or tables. Disinfecting is necessary when you need to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. This is particularly important in high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches and countertops.

What should you use for each process?

For cleaning, mild detergents and all-purpose cleaners are usually sufficient. For sanitizing, the use of weaker bleach solutions and specific food-grade sanitizers like quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are effective at reducing the number of bacteria and viruses on surfaces. When disinfecting surfaces and killing germs and bacteria, EPA-registered disinfectants with stronger bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, quats, are recommended.

How often should you use these processes?

The frequency of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting will depend on the situation and the area you are cleaning. High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Areas that come into contact with food or where people gather should be sanitized daily. However, for other surfaces, cleaning once a week may be sufficient. 

** Ask about our deep cleaning services. We offer various options to deep clean bathrooms, breakrooms or any location that is heavily used!