The Difference Between Sanitizing and Disinfecting

There is often misunderstanding over the phrases “sanitize” and “disinfect” when it comes to maintaining a clean workplace. Despite the fact that these phrases are sometimes used synonymously, they relate to separate procedures with different purposes.

Understanding the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting can help you choose the right approach for your needs and maintain a healthier space.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: What’s the Difference Between the Three?

Before we discuss the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting, it helps first to explain what cleaning exactly entails.

Cleaning is the first step in maintaining a pristine environment. It involves removing dirt, dust, crumbs, and other impurities from surfaces using soap, or detergent, and water.

It’s worth noting that while cleaning removes grime and germs from surfaces, it doesn’t kill them. It may be sufficient for maintaining a tidy appearance, but it doesn’t necessarily reduce the risks of infection from viruses and bacteria.

Sanitizing goes a step further by using chemicals or other methods to reduce the number of germs on surfaces or objects to levels determined safe by public health standards or requirements. However, this process does not eliminate viruses or fungi, and the sanitization’s effectiveness can be quickly compromised by subsequent contamination.

Finally, disinfecting is a more intensive process than both cleaning and sanitizing. It involves using disinfectant chemicals to kill various infection-causing microorganisms on surfaces, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Disinfectants are more potent and require a specific contact time on the surface to be effective.

With that said, disinfecting isn’t meant to clean dirty surfaces. It’s intended to kill germs that remain after cleaning to lower the risk of spreading infection further.

Sanitize vs. Disinfect: When To Perform Each

Safe cleaning and disinfecting are key to maintaining a healthy environment, and knowing the best times to perform each task is crucial for achieving optimal hygiene. In this section, we’ll guide you through not only when to sanitize or disinfect but also how to do so effectively while keeping safety in mind.

When to Sanitize Safely

Sanitizing is best suited for surfaces that come into contact with food or are frequently touched by children or pets. To sanitize safely:

• Always choose the right product, such as food-safe sanitizers for kitchen counters or toys.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, paying attention to dilution ratios and the required contact time for the product to work effectively.
• Ensure proper ventilation when using sanitizers to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes.
• Sanitizing these surfaces regularly can help reduce the spread of germs. However, the process must be done safely to protect everyone involved.

When to Disinfect Safely

Disinfecting is crucial in areas at a higher risk of contamination, such as bathrooms, sick rooms, and high-touch surfaces. To disinfect safely:

• Bathroom Surfaces: Toilets, sinks, and shower areas can harbor various pathogens. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks when handling disinfectants to protect your skin and respiratory system.
• Sick Rooms: When someone is ill, disinfecting surfaces they’ve touched is crucial in preventing the spread of illness. Opt for EPA-registered disinfectants, ensuring that the product is safe and effective against a wide range of pathogens. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals by following proper handling guidelines.
• High-touch Areas: Doorknobs, light switches, and phones must be disinfected as they are frequent points of contact for hands. Prevent cross-contamination by designating specific cleaning tools, like separate sponges or cloths, for disinfecting these areas.
• Allow the disinfectant to sit on surfaces for the recommended contact time to maximize its germ-killing effectiveness.

Learn more about Medical Office Cleaning with this Checklist

General Safety Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting

Whether you’re sanitizing or disinfecting, it’s important to follow general safety practices to ensure the process is both effective and safe. Using the correct techniques and taking proper precautions will help you protect yourself and others while maintaining a clean environment:

• Always read product labels and follow the safety instructions provided by manufacturers.
• Use appropriate cleaning tools, such as microfiber cloths, and wash them regularly to avoid spreading germs.
• Store cleaning and disinfecting products safely—out of reach of children and pets and away from heat or sunlight.
• Avoid mixing different cleaning products, like bleach and ammonia, as this can create dangerous fumes.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting are essential for keeping your environment safe and healthy. Using safe practices, selecting the right products, and understanding effective methods are all key components in achieving this goal. By focusing on safety, you can protect yourself and others from harmful germs, creating a cleaner and healthier space for everyone.

Where Germs Are Commonly Found

Germs are everywhere, even in places that appear spotless. They can lurk on surfaces, in the air, or on everyday objects we touch without even realizing it. Understanding where germs accumulate allows you to take proactive steps to keep your environment cleaner and safer for everyone.

Air

Germs can quickly spread through the air, especially in poorly ventilated areas. When people cough, sneeze, or even talk, respiratory droplets release germs into the surrounding air. Proper ventilation and air circulation are crucial to minimizing airborne contaminants.

Bodies

The human body naturally carries a variety of germs, including bacteria and viruses. Germs from our hands, skin, and mouth can quickly transfer to surfaces and other people, emphasizing the need for good personal hygiene practices like regular handwashing.

Objects

High-touch objects, such as phones, keyboards, and remote controls, are hotspots for germs due to frequent handling. Regularly sanitizing these items is crucial to prevent contamination.

Skin

Germs on the skin, particularly on the hands, are among the most common ways germs spread. Practicing optimal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and using hand sanitizers, is essential to minimize transmission.

Soil

While some soil bacteria are harmless, others can pose health risks, particularly if they come into contact with open wounds. It’s important to be cautious when handling soil, especially in environments where cleanliness is paramount.

Surfaces

Frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, door handles, and bathroom fixtures, are prime areas for accumulating germs. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces is essential to prevent the spread of illness.

Being mindful of common germ hotspots allows you to establish regular cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting habits, reducing the risk of contamination and promoting a healthier environment.

Clarifying the Confusion Between Sanitizing and Sanitation

Other phrases that often cause misunderstanding include “sanitation” and “sanitizing.” On the other hand, in the context of a clean environment, they have different connotations.

Sanitizing specifically refers to the process of reducing bacteria to safe levels on the individual surface or item. It’s an activity performed regularly as part of a routine cleaning schedule.

Sanitation, on the other hand, encompasses the broader spectrum of maintaining a hygienic and healthful environment. This includes proper handling and disposal of waste, adequate sewage control, and the regular cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces. Ultimately, it covers  the overall management of cleanliness and hygiene in facilities.

Experience Unmatched and Reliable Cleanliness From Certified Commercial Cleaners

While it’s beneficial to understand the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting, effectively performing them requires time, knowledge, and the right supplies. If your business, industrial facility, or any other commercial establishment regularly receives large volumes of people, proper cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are crucial in maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Commercial cleaners understand the nuances of different cleaning methods and chemicals. They know how to use high-grade disinfectants effectively to tackle pathogens in public or high-traffic environments. Best of all, they adhere to regulations to ensure your establishment meets health and safety codes.

If you’re still looking for certified experts to entrust your business’s cleanliness to, consider JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting for the confidence that comes from a thoroughly sanitized and disinfected workplace. Request your free estimate today to get started and discover how commercial cleaners can help you attain the highest standard of cleanliness and safety.

Cleaning and disinfecting services are provided by independently owned and operated JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting franchisees.