The COVID-19 pandemic has made us realise the importance of effective cleaning and disinfection practices. Yet, many still confuse the terms “cleaning,” “sanitising,” and “disinfecting.” It’s easy to mix them up, but getting to know their differences is crucial for maintaining a safe environment in your home, workplace, or any facility.
What Is Cleaning?
Cleaning is the foundational step in maintaining a healthy space. It involves removing visible dirt, dust, and grime from surfaces. This process typically uses detergents, soap, or solvents to physically scrub away contaminants. While cleaning doesn’t necessarily kill bacteria or viruses, it reduces their numbers, setting the stage for further sanitising or disinfecting.
What Is Sanitising?
Sanitising aims to lower the number of germs on a surface to a safe level as per public health standards. This can be achieved through cleaning followed by a chemical sanitiser or directly using a sanitiser. Designed to kill 99.9% of bacteria, sanitisers might not always be effective against viruses. This process is particularly useful on food-contact surfaces like kitchen worktops and utensils, where a gentler approach to microbial reduction is preferred.
What Is Disinfecting?
Disinfecting is a more rigorous process that targets both bacteria and viruses. It aims to eliminate up to 99.999% of these pathogens. Disinfectants, which are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are formulated to tackle a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including challenging viruses like COVID-19. Disinfecting is crucial for high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom fixtures, where the risk of disease transmission is elevated.
Why Is Disinfection Essential?
Disinfection plays a pivotal role in halting the spread of infectious diseases. By effectively neutralising harmful microorganisms, disinfectants help reduce the risk of illness and infection. This is especially important in healthcare settings, where patients with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections. However, disinfection is also vital in schools, childcare centres, and commercial spaces to maintain a clean and safe environment.
How to Disinfect Effectively
To ensure effective disinfection, follow these key practices:
- Use the Right Product: Choose an EPA-registered disinfectant suitable for your needs.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper application.
- Respect Dwell Time: Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the recommended time to ensure effectiveness.
- Proper Dilution: Ensure the disinfectant is diluted correctly if required.
- Wear PPE: Use personal protective equipment if necessary to avoid exposure to chemicals.
Ignoring these steps can undermine the effectiveness of the disinfectant and pose risks to your health.
In Summary
Understanding the differences between cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting is key to creating a safe and healthy environment. By applying the right techniques and following best practices, you can effectively reduce the spread of infectious diseases and protect the well-being of everyone in your space.
Need Help with Cleaning?
At Envirotec, our experts are well-versed in all aspects of cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting. Let us handle the stress of maintaining your space—contact us for a thorough deep clean today!