Disinfect vs Sanitize Edition: Minute Cleaning Hacks

Sanitizing or disinfecting, disinfecting or sanitizing. We use the two words interchangeably, but they are actually very different things. Now, more than ever with the increasing urgency to fight the spread of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to understand the difference. Here’s a quick overview:

Sanitizers
Sanitizing could be done by either cleaning a surface, disinfecting a surface, or both. Sanitization decreases, but doesn’t necessarily eliminate, the amount of bacteria as identified on the product’s label. What is considered a safe level depends on public health standards or requirements at a workplace, school, etc.

Disinfectants
Disinfecting can effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses as specified on a product’s label. Some common disinfectants are bleach and alcohol solutions. You usually need to leave the disinfectant on the surfaces or objects for a certain period of time to kill the germs. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs.

If you both clean and disinfect a surface or object, you can further lower the risk of spreading infection. There are products that clean and disinfect at the same time. If a member of your household has just recovered from a virus, it’s best to disinfect — not sanitize — surfaces, as EPA-approved sanitizers only have claims for bacteria, while disinfectants have claims against both bacteria and viruses.

Well that was a lot to digest! Hope you enjoyed Minute Cleaning Hacks: Disinfect vs Sanitize Edition. If you are still unsure why not let us help. Maid in a Minute Residential and Commercial Cleaning Service has packages that work with your needs and budget. If you need a few more MINUTES in your day, let us take care of the cleaning for you! Visit our ONLINE BOOKING page to schedule your appointment now! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook!