The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting
Kristina Robinson
6/16/20251 min read
The terms cleaning, sanitizing & disinfecting are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Each serves a specific purpose, espically in commercial settings where health & safety are a top priority. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right service for your business.
Cleaning: Removing Dirt & Debris
Cleaning is the process of physically removing dust, dirt & grime from surfaces. This step often involves soap & water or general-purpose cleaners. While cleaning makes a space look better, it doesn't necessarily kill germs.
Sanitizing: Reducing Germs to Safe Levels
Sanitizing lowers the number of bacteria on surfaces to a level considered safe by public health standards. It's commonly used in environments like schools, offices & food service areas where reducing but not necessarily eliminating germs is acceptable.
Disinfecting: Killing Germs on Surfaces
Disinfecting goes a step further by using EPA-approved chemicals to kill bacteria, viruses & fungi on surfaces. This process is crucial for medical offices, high-touch areas & any location where infection control is a concern.
Which One Do You Need?
In many cases, a combination of all three is ideal. For example, we clean surfaces first to remove visible dirt, then follow up with sanitizing or disinfecting depending on the environment. Need help creating a cleaning and disinfecting plan for your business? We're here to help. Reach out to Commercial Cleaning of Idaho today for expert guidance & reliable service.