What is the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, & Sanitation?

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

How Clean is Your Facility? (562) 392-3007

Has your facility been sanitized, or just cleaned? What if something needs to be disinfected? What does that mean? Do these terms really differ that much? Does it matter? With the presence of COVID-19, many facilities are rethinking what 'clean' means to them. Consider how understanding these terms better will help you keep your facility safe and healthy.

Let's consider an example...

Think about a toilet in your commercial facility. According to the CDC, "Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects.” 

• On the toilet we see visible waste & germs on the seat and handle. Cleaning would involve wiping those surfaces clearing the visible waste & germs. But is it really clean? Although the visible waste and germs are gone, they’re still present on a microscopic level. So they need to be disinfected.

“Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects.” 

• Here we’ll apply a disinfectant spray to the toilet seat and handle, killing the germs & bacteria left, not allowing them to germinate. Although dead and dormant, those germs are still present on those areas.

“Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects.” 

• To sanitize, you can use disinfectant wipes or microfiber cloths to wipe away the bacteria left.

The level of cleaning you choose will depend on your facility, i.e food service, school/daycare facility, or commercial office.

The possible presence or exposure to viral pathogens will require a higher level of cleaning and sanitation, a level that most cleaning companies or janitorial workers aren't able to accomplish. 

To consult with a SERVPRO® Certified Specialist regarding your facility, contact us at (562) 392-3007