The Difference Between Clean, Disinfect & Sanitize

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

With the global pandemic flaring up again, and Fairfield County experiencing high rates of infection, we all want our living and working spaces to be free of any contaminants.  When you do any research about ways to do this, you are undoubtedly confronted by products and methods that use the words “clean,” “disinfect,” and “sanitize.”  But these terms are not interchangeable.  Read further so you know exactly how effective a certain product or method is. 

Cleaning - Provides surface cleaning, while only removing dirt, debris, bacteria, viruses, and fungus while using water and an added detergent.  Examples of products in this category: Pledge and dish detergent

Sanitizing - Greatly reducesReduces but does not eliminate all bacteria, viruses, and fungus on a treated surface. 99.9% reduction in contaminants must be demonstrated for a product to be classified as a sanitizer. Examples of products in this category: hand sanitizer and Wet Ones wipes

Disinfecting - Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill, destroy, or inactivate infectious or other organic contaminants. Examples of products in this category: Clorox disinfecting wipes and Lysol disinfecting spray

It is important to contact a certified cleaning professional as soon as you are alerted to a positive case. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who need cleaning and disinfecting at their business property.  Professionally trained SERVPRO technicians perform cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products.  If you have any type of property damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.