Difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting

It is vital now more than ever to protect yourself and your surroundings from infection. However, most people are confused as to which cleaning technique is the best solution. There are distinct differences between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Below-mentioned explains their differences and when they should be applied.

• Cleaning means organizing and wiping down surfaces so that they look neat and clean. Many all-purpose cleaners are made up of soap and water and are ideal for removing smudges, stains, spots, and debris. It may even remove some germs. The result of cleaning is to ensure your property or surrounding looks, feels and smells good. The role of the cleaner is to make your space look tidy. Almost any cleaner can remove dirt and grime. You must keep in mind that cleaning simply just removes germs, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces; it does not necessarily eliminate them. Cleaning should be ideally performed before sanitizing and disinfecting.
• Sanitizing significantly lowers the risk of germs on objects or surfaces by either removing them or killing them as per the requirements of the public health and safety standards. When you sanitize a surrounding area, the amount of bacteria drastically reduces, but it does not kill, or destroy them completely. This process simply reduces the number of bacteria to a level that is safe. Because sanitizers contain chemicals that are less harmful than disinfectants, they are usually used on food contact surfaces. However, it is highly advised to check the label to ensure the sanitizer is food safe. When you sanitize an area, you are killing or reducing the bacteria by 99.9%. It is a much better alternative to cleaning.
• Disinfecting eradicates germs on objects or surfaces. It eliminates both bacteria and viruses that are present on the product label or surfaces. Disinfectants are the only cleaning products that are approved by health and safety departments to kill viruses on hard surfaces. It is one of the most effective and reliable ways to tackle the spread of infection and germs. However, not all disinfectants are the same. There are a few disinfectants that can be used against COVID-19. It is highly recommended that you frequently disinfect areas that have been touched to minimize the spread of germs. Any surface or surrounding that has been touched by more than one individual frequently must be disinfected on a regular basis. Below-mentioned is some surfaces that should be disinfected regularly:
• Countertops, tables, and desks
• Drawer handles, cabinet pulls, and door knobs
• Light switches and thermostats
• Remote controls, headsets, and phones
• Sinks, faucets, and toilets
• Keyboards, mouse, and monitors

Disinfectants are likely to retain any pathogens.

Contact GME today to book an appointment

To find out more information on the various cleaning techniques used by our professional and experienced team here at GME, or to schedule an initial consultation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 1-844-990-1010. We will be more than happy to address any queries that you may have.