Many cleaning service companies offer several types of janitorial cleaning services. However, while most people may use terms like “cleaning,” “sanitizing,” and “disinfecting” interchangeably, there is a significant difference between all three. It is essential to understand these terms to ensure proper cleaning practices. Knowing the answer to: “What is the difference between disinfecting and sanitizing ?” can help you manage your expectations when hiring commercial cleaning services. Here are some key differences and a look into what janitorial cleaning companies mean when they provide any of the three.
What Is the Difference Between Disinfecting, Sanitizing, and Cleaning?
What Does Cleaning Do?
Let’s start with the basics. Cleaning is the most straightforward process. If a commercial cleaning provider claims to provide cleaning services, they’ll remove all visible dirt, grime, dust, and other particles in your spaces. Typical cleaning services include the following:
- Vacuuming
- Sweeping
- Mopping
- Wiping
- Scrubbing
While your spaces will be visibly clean, these steps won’t remove most microscopic germs. Some janitorial cleaning services stop here, while others clean away the visible debris before sanitizing and disinfecting.
What Does Sanitizing Do?
Sanitizing refers to reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level per public health standards. This process aims to reduce the risk of infection by eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. Typically, sanitizing uses chemicals that effectively kill most of the germs on surfaces. Important to note that sanitizing also doesn’t kill viruses.
When a cleaning service provider offers sanitizing services, you can expect clean spaces that are safe but not germs-free. Your provider should use sanitizing products registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Using registered products ensures that the sanitizing products they use work effectively for common organisms.
What Does Disinfecting Do?
On the other hand, disinfecting refers to killing all the microorganisms on a surface, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Disinfectants are generally more robust and potent than sanitizers and can destroy many pathogens. Healthcare facilities, laboratories, and other high-risk areas often use disinfection.
Disinfecting services also require an EPA-registered disinfectant to keep your surfaces safe. For thorough disinfection, your disinfectant cleaning company should perform general cleaning on your spaces before disinfecting, as additional debris can lower the disinfectant concentration on your surfaces.
To put it simply, sanitizing reduces the number of germs, while disinfecting eliminates all of them. Depending on the situation and the risk of infection, both methods can effectively ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Do I Need Sanitization or Disinfection?
You might be choosing between sanitizing vs. disinfecting your spaces. Depending on your area’s requirements, your provider can either clean first and then sanitize or disinfect.
While they have their differences, it will ultimately depend on factors like what type of facility you have, how much foot traffic you see, and if your industry has specific cleaning requirements. Your business should be okay with regular sanitizing services if:
- You want to prevent the spread of bacteria that causes common illnesses like food poisoning, skin infections, urinary tract infection, and more.
- Your spaces have hard non-porous surfaces.
- Your spaces have specific high-touch surfaces that need routine sanitization.
- Your business handles raw and cooked food, or you have areas in your office like a pantry, mini-kitchen, or break room.
On the other hand, disinfecting services provide an additional layer of protection for your spaces if:
- Your business is under an industry with health code requirements that require disinfecting.
- You handle small children, like daycares and places with diaper-changing stations.
- Your spaces deal with bodily fluids like urine, fecal matter, blood, etc.
- You have exposed areas to individuals with viral conditions.
- Your business handles raw and cooked food.
Receive the Highest Level of Protection with Integrity Janitorial Cleaning Services & Disinfecting
Your commercial and office spaces need regular protection against bacteria and viruses. On top of keeping your facility visually clean, you need services that keep you, your staff, and your customers safe. Through reliable cleaning and disinfecting services, you can enjoy safe spaces that keep your business going.
Integrity Janitorial Cleaning Services provides consistent, quality cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting to keep your surroundings clean and free from harmful germs and bacteria. We provide many cleaning services for offices, gyms, retail buildings, medical facilities, etc., and flexible scheduling to accommodate your hours of operation. We also offer Covid-19 deep cleaning solutions.
If you want to maintain a clean and healthy environment, call us at (404) 530-0811 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to showing you how our services can benefit your business!