What’s the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, And Sanitizing?

Disinfecting, sanitizing, and cleaning—you may have heard these words used interchangeably. However, since the coronavirus emerged, it is crucial to understand what each of these terms means.

We’ve already pondered the importance of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting services amid the pandemic, and in general. But how do these procedures differ from one another?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ‘cleaning’ removes the dirt and debris on a given surface. Sanitization reduces the number of germs, whereas disinfection refers to a procedure that kills the germs.

Ahead, we’ll elaborate on the differences between the three top methods of germ removal.

What’s the Difference?

While many people use cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, synonymously they are two unique methods for removing germs. Sanitizing reduces the bacteria count and uses comparatively milder solutions. Though this procedure is useful to a significant extent, it’s not as beneficial for frequently used and touched surfaces in offices and other commercial spaces.

On the other hand, disinfecting ensures that all the germs are killed and uses strong disinfectants as recommended and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This method destroys all bacteria and viruses, including influenza viruses, rhinovirus, and coronavirus.  

Cleaning services are far from disinfecting and sanitizing. They are only focused on removing dust, dirt, and debris from surfaces by rinsing, wiping, scrubbing, and washing. Some cleaning services examples are carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, janitorial cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, etc.

Which One Is Best for Your Office?

You may be inclined to get rid of all the germs in one go, rather than reducing them, but disinfecting services are really only critical for high-touch areas and surfaces, for instance, doorknobs, shared telephones, light switches, shared computer systems and hardware, kitchens, office bathrooms, and in medical facilities.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend going with a combination of cleaning and disinfecting services. Cleaning is necessary anyway for maintaining the reputation, appearance, and hygiene levels in your office. Pairing it with disinfecting services every once in a while will ensure that your employees and customers are protected against viruses and bacteria that could deter their health.

Now that you understand the differences between the three procedures, you’d know which service you want for your office space. Whether you are looking for a cleaning service, sanitizing service, or a disinfecting service in Blue Bell or other areas across PA, get in touch with us.

At Queenan Cleaning Services, we offer a comprehensive range of commercial cleaning services Norristown and COVID-19 disinfecting services Harleysville. We extend our services to Collegeville, Norristown, Ambler, Bala Cynwyd, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Chalfont, Conshohocken, Horsham, Hatfield, Exton, Fort Washington, and Doylestown.

Contact us for all your queries.