Understanding the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting can help you maintain a cleaner and healthier home. At Mid-MO Cleaning, we understand that these are two entirely separate procedures, and we’ll take care of both of them for you, but we thought it would be beneficial for you to know the difference; so, here you go! Let’s break down what each term means and when you should use each one. We perform both of these actions regularly as part of our cleaning service in Columbia, MO.
Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?
Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards. This process involves cleaning and then using a sanitizer to lower the risk of spreading infection. Sanitizers can kill bacteria but may not eliminate all viruses or fungi.
Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfectants can kill a broader spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This process doesn’t necessarily clean dirty surfaces but focuses on killing germs to lower the risk of infection.
When to Sanitize:
- Everyday Cleaning: For routine cleaning tasks like wiping down countertops, tables, and other surfaces, sanitizing is usually sufficient. This helps to keep the general level of germs low and maintain a safe environment for your family.
- Food Preparation Areas: Sanitizing is particularly important in kitchens where food is prepared. After cleaning surfaces with soap and water, use a sanitizer to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Children’s Toys: Regularly sanitize toys and other items that children frequently touch to keep germ levels under control and protect their health.
When to Disinfect:
- High-Touch Areas: Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and faucet handles, especially if someone in the household is sick. This helps to kill any lingering germs and prevent the spread of illness.
- Bathrooms: Bathrooms are breeding grounds for germs due to their moisture and frequent use. Disinfect sinks, toilets, and shower areas regularly to ensure these spaces are as germ-free as possible.
- After Illness: If someone in your home has been sick, it’s crucial to disinfect surfaces they’ve come into contact with to prevent the spread of illness to other household members.
- During Outbreaks: During times of increased illness, such as flu season or pandemics, increase the frequency of disinfecting high-touch and shared surfaces to reduce the risk of infection.
Understanding when to sanitize and when to disinfect can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy home environment. Over-disinfecting your home can actually reduce your exposure to good bacteria and weaken your immune system over time, but in a restaurant, for instance, where we try to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses- disinfecting regularly is important.
At Mid-MO Cleaning, we offer both sanitizing and disinfecting services to help you achieve the highest standards of cleanliness. Whether you need regular sanitizing or thorough disinfecting, our professional team is here to assist you. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning service and ensure your home is as safe and clean as possible.