Know the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are top of mind for us during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone concerned about germs and the spread of viruses today – so it’s important to ask, “What is the difference between cleaning a surface, sanitizing, and disinfecting it?” Though the words cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing are used interchangeably, they are not the same. It is essential to know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing when you’re trying to choose a product and method to clean up to get rid of any potentially hazardous germs.

There are distinct definitions of cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces in homes, schools, and public places. These definitions are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to specify the level of microbial contamination left on a surface after treatment.

Cleaning

Cleaning is the process of removing visible germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects and organizing a space. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically take out soil and germs from surfaces through chemical (cleaner), mechanical (scrubbing), and thermal (water temperature) action. Cleaning does not necessarily kill bacteria and germs, but by removing them physically, you’re lowering their number and your risk of infection.

Cleaning only gets rid of visible dirt and germs from surfaces. While cleaners will help make surfaces in your property look nice and shiny, there are some places – your kitchen counters, faucet handles, and doorknobs where you want to follow up your cleaning with a sanitizer or a disinfectant. Cleaning works best for low-risk surfaces, such as floors, windows, etc., where the likelihood of pathogen transfer from the surface is low.

To prevent COVID-19 and stop the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces frequently using household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants. Frequently clean and disinfect the commonly touched surfaces include tables, hard-back chairs, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, cell phones, tablets, remotes, toilets, faucets, sinks, and kitchen counters.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting kills microscopic organisms (germs, viruses, fungi) on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs not visible to the naked eye rather than simply reducing them. The procedure does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, you reduce the risk of infection. Disinfection is appropriate for frequently touched surfaces, including electronic items and surfaces likely to harbor pathogens.

Between diaper changes, you should clean and disinfect the changing area to reduce the spread of germs. Hospitals disinfect areas that have come into contact with blood or other body fluids. Disinfecting is much more effective if basic cleaning is done first. If surfaces are visibly dirty, they should be cleaned with a detergent or soap and water before disinfection. Disinfection is usually achieved by using EPA-approved chemicals that kill the organisms and prevent them from spreading. Wear disposable gloves and discard them after each cleaning.

According to the CDC, it is important to have proper ventilation when applying bleach products to surfaces. You should always check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Items can also be disinfected using UV-C germicidal short wavelength, ultraviolet light that breaks apart the DNA of bacteria and germs, leaving them unable to harm or reproduce. It is the same UV-C light technology used in hospital surgical suites to aid in killing superbugs.

Sanitizing

Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. Sanitizing works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection. Usually, you sanitize in kitchens and other areas that come into contact with food. For example, you sanitize dishes and utensils after using them or toys that children put in their mouths.

When a product claims to sanitize a surface, it promises to make the surface free of germs that could be harmful to your health. Sanitizing is crucial in food preparation areas where germs and fungi can cause foodborne illnesses. Chemicals may not be needed because extreme heat (at least 170 degrees F) in a dishwasher or by using a steam cleaner can kill bacteria.

When Should You Clean, Disinfect, or Sanitize?

Cleaning should be a routine process that occurs on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis. Regular cleaning maintains order, reduces the growth of potentially harmful organisms, helps keep pests under control, and protects the investment you’ve made in your property and belongings.

Sanitization is essential for health and hygiene and is particularly important on communal surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, touchpads, and any surface that comes in contact with body fluids. For example, sanitizing bed linens and undergarments are more important than sanitizing dress shirts and slacks.

Perform disinfecting when someone in the household is ill or has a compromised immune system. Follow the label instructions and use disinfectants correctly to kill the microorganisms effectively. If the product is not used properly, the process only offers a false sense of security. Pay attention to hazard warnings and directions on product labels.

The label will also show the precautions – wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during the use of the product. For safety, always wear appropriate gloves for the chemicals being used for cleaning and disinfecting. Follow the directions on the disinfectant label for additional personal protective equipment (PPE) needs.

As we move forward in reopening the economic sectors and returning to work, it will require us all to put into action the recommended best practices and to maintain safe daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to COVID-19. Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting properly and continuously is an important part of reopening public spaces.

Some objects that are often touched will require daily disinfecting. These include countertops, tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computer keyboards, phones, toilets, faucets, and sinks, gas pump handles, touch screens, and ATMs. Here are the steps that are to be taken:

• First, clean the surface or object with soap and water.
• Then, disinfect using something EPA-approved.
• If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, you can use 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water or 70% alcohol solutions to disinfect. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection for up to 24 hours. Find additional information on CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.
• Use the appropriate cleaning or EPA approved disinfectant
• When applied according to the manufacturer’s label, they are effective for use against COVID-19.
• Follow the instructions on the label for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, dilution, application method, contact time, and any other special considerations when applying. Many product labels recommend keeping the surface wet for a specific amount of time.

Apart from cleaning and disinfecting your surroundings, personal hygiene is paramount to protect people against COVID-19. The two significant ways to protect yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic are:

• Washing your hands regularly (or sanitizing them when you’re not near soap and water)
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces

Remember, we’re all in this fight against COVID-19 together! Atalian Global Services provide specialist disinfection cleaning solutions for properties and vehicles. For more solutions on reopening your buildings safely, talk to our specialists today!