Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are three different processes used to reduce or eliminate harmful microorganisms and contaminants from surfaces. Understanding the distinctions between these processes is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy in various environment. Here’s a breakdown of each term:
What Is Cleaning?
To clean something means to remove dirt, dust, and other impurities from surfaces or objects. It involves using soap or detergents and water to physically remove these contaminants.
The primary purpose is to make surfaces look clean and to reduce the number of germs, though it does not necessarily kill them and does not guarantee that a surface is safe.
Cleaning is often the first step before sanitizing or disinfecting.
What Is Sanitizing?
Sanitizing means that you are lowering the number of microorganisms like bacteria on surfaces or objects to a safe level. It may involve using chemicals or heat.
Although sanitizing reduces the growth of harmful bacteria, but it does not kill the viruses on a surface.
What Is Disinfecting?
To disinfect means to kill viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting is a higher level of microorganisms kill than Sanitizing.
Common disinfectants include Bleach, Alcohol and Chlorine.
Why Are Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Important?
To keep your environment clean and safe, you should regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched frequently.
Properly clean and sanitize can reduce the risk of diseases like salmonella, influenza, rhinovirus, staph infections, and more.