What are the differences between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting? Are they different levels of “cleaning”, or completely different types of cleaning?
Cleaning usually refers to physically removing dirt. The focus is not on germs, although germs may be removed during the process. Cleaning must be done before sanitizing or disinfecting.
Sanitizing and disinfecting relate specifically to germs.
Depending on your business, it’s important to know the differences between these. Everyone wants to have a safe and clean environment for both workers and customers.
Just as important, you need to know what is right for your business. They type of cleaning needed for an office environment will be completely different from, say, a healthcare environment.
Cleaning
When we talk about commercial cleaning services, cleaning usually refers to removing visible dirt. This could be dust, grime, crumbs and numerous other debris.
Cleaning often involves some kind of soap and also water to physically wash or wipe away the dirt. Cleaning is typically done to floors, tables, and other flat surfaces.
Sanitizing
Sanitizing is done to reduce bacteria on objects to a safe level. Objects in need of sanitizing are often things that touch food, such as plates, utensils and countertops.
Other items are objects that may contact mouths. Examples include baby toys and feeding supplies.
The main tools for sanitizing are mild bleach solutions and heat.
Disinfecting
Disinfection is a much stronger process meant to kill most bacteria and viruses. The targets of disinfection are surfaces where germs accumulate. This includes things that are often touched by various people, such as doorknobs and light switches.
Healthcare environments are a good example of where disinfecting should be part of the cleaning process.
Disinfecting requires the use of proper chemicals, such as strong bleach or other approved disinfectants. In fact, the EPA actually lists products that are approved (www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products).
In addition to proper chemicals, disinfection also needs a certain amount of contact time. So, for example, a quick spray and wipe may not be sufficient.
Handy Summary
This handy summary from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/hygiene/pdf/331782) explains the basic differences between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting.