Differences Between Surface Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Measures to slow the spread of germs and bacterial growth include different methods of surface cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.

Surface Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting are necessary measures. However, they are different measures that work hand in hand but serve different purposes. Measures to slow the spread of germs and bacterial growth include different methods of surface cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Below are the differences between the three. 

Surface Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting

1. Surface Cleaning is done to remove germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. The best way to clean is to use soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces with a neat towel. Surface cleaning does not kill germs, it only removes germs from the surface or reduces the number and minimizes the risk of spreading infection. Surfaces that can come in contact with hands like table, door, device or equipment handles, even cutleries, water taps, and other surfaces can be contaminated with germs when a carrier touches it. That is why it is important to clean surfaces regularly to reduce the spread of germs carrying viruses/diseases.

2. Sanitizing also reduced the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level. There are liquid substances called sanitizers produced and are used specifically for sanitizing. Sanitizers come in different compositions for different purposes. Sanitizing should be done after surface cleaning but for the hand, one can use alcohol-based sanitizers after washing hands with soap and water or without washing.

3. Disinfecting is a preventive measure to avoid the spread of germs. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces by the use of chemicals.

Flu viruses are relatively fragile, surface cleaning, and sanitizing will help expose the flu viruses to be easily removed from the surface while disinfecting kills them. It is vital to understand the difference between these cleaning methods and to use the right products for the job. SERVPRO of Citrus Heights/Roseville and Carmichael will help you become more knowledgeable in this area and will take care of your cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting concerns using proper methods. Just call 916-966-2601