Clean vs Sanitize vs Disinfect: What Are Their Differences?

Yellow rubber gloves, two clear pump soap dispensers, stacked green-and-blue scrubbing sponges, and a glass jar of white powder with wooden scoop.

Cleaning is a term used to describe the process of keeping the house orderly and free from dirt. However, this term is generic and vague and could mean differently to different people. 

At present, there are now various terms set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can be associated with cleaning to define the level of microbes that remain on treated surfaces. These are cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Knowing and understanding the differences among them can help you maintain the level of cleanliness that you desire for your home and let you learn how to read cleaning product labels properly. 

What Is Cleaning?

When you are getting rid of visible dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces and removing clutter from a specific space, that is called cleaning. This process usually uses only water and soap or detergent. 

While surfaces may look and feel clean, it is not guaranteed that bacteria and germs are killed. However, cleaning has the potential to diminish their numbers and helps minimize the risk of transmission of viruses and the spread of harmful microorganisms. This process can easily be accomplished for your home when you seek a reliable company that specializes in housekeeping services.

What Is Sanitizing?

Cleaning products that promise to sanitize surfaces reduces the number and growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are harmful to your health. Sanitizing chemicals are important to be used in your kitchen, dining area, or other areas where you prepare your food. 

By using this type of product, you can lessen the risk of having foodborne illnesses. Seeking a house cleaning service can help you have various parts of your home get sanitized.

What Is Disinfecting?

Disinfectants, germicidal light, and other EPA-approved chemicals kill germs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces in your home and prevent the spread of harmful microscopic organisms. This can be especially helpful if someone in your household is sick or immunocompromised.

Keep in mind that the process of disinfecting does not necessarily get rid of visible dust, dirt, and debris from surfaces. To boost the effectiveness of disinfection, make sure to have your area cleaned first. You may consider hiring a cleaning team to achieve this.

What Is the Right Process for You?

If you are wondering whether cleaning, sanitizing, or cleaning is the right process for your home, then consider your needs first.

In general, basic cleaning and housekeeping are ideally done routinely to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of your home. On the other hand, sanitization is ideal for your house to ensure the health and safety of your loved ones. Some areas you should prioritize sanitizing are shared spaces and communal surfaces. As for disinfecting, you have to do this if your family member is ill. This will help prevent the spread of disease-causing microorganisms.

Conclusion

Knowing the proper terms associated with cleanliness can help you assess the level of cleanliness that your home needs. Meanwhile, when you need to hire a cleaning company, trust only an established one that can address your needs.

Maintain the cleanliness of your home with our maid service. We serve homeowners in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Niceville, and Pensacola in Florida. Contact us to book our services!

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