Sanitization and disinfecting have become interchangeable in today’s lingo. But, they’re not the same. Each one serves a different purpose and has its uses. In light of current events, the necessity of have a clean home has taken on a serious connotation. People are wondering just what they should be using to keep their home safe from illnesses. In this article, we will be outlining the differences of sanitization and disinfecting. As a result, you can decide what cleaners are better for your home.
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What Is Sanitization?
Sanitization is probably a cleaning form that you’re more familiar with. By definition, sanitization means the removal of 99.99% of bacteria from a standard surface. Public health standards determine a product to be a sanitizer if it can kill 99.99% of pathogens in less than 10 seconds. Some of the most common forms of a sanitizer is Germ-X or Purell. However, on food surfaces sanitizers should be used to eliminate contamination.
A sanitizer is considered a gentler disinfectant. However, the downfall to sanitization is that small possibility that a pathogen may survive. Unchecked, that pathogen could breed an illness that can affect those who come in contact with it. For instance, salmonella can remain on surfaces not cleaned thoroughly enough. Unfortunately, that could lead to salmonella poisoning to someone who comes in contact with that surface.
Pathogens or microbes that can survive a sanitizer are certain strains of the flu and viruses. To know for sure what a sanitizer can successful clean, refer to the cleaning label or report for that brand.
What Is Disinfecting?
Disinfecting refers to the process of removing 100% of surface microbes and pathogens in thirty seconds or less. However, just because a cleaning label states that the contents are a disinfectant does not mean that you are using it correctly. The CDC has listed its recommendation for cleaning and disinfecting. Particularly, the CDC recommends breaking cleaning and disinfecting into two steps.
Cleaning surfaces should be done first in order to remove any material or impurities that cover the surfaces. For instance, counter tops should be clear of food residues and juices prior to disinfection. Otherwise, the disinfectant may not be successful. Because a disinfectant is not meant as a cleaning agent, disinfectant should be applied to clean surfaces only. The time necessary for the chemical to kill all pathogens should be listed on the bottle. Otherwise, allow a disinfectant to sit for at least thirty seconds before removing.
Each surface has a particular cleaning practice. Not every cleaner applies to every surface. As a rule, keep your cleaners organized and marked. You wouldn’t want to use your disinfectant containing bleach to be sprayed on your blue microfiber couch. Also, be mindful of pets and children. While bleach is a disinfecting agent, it is harmful when humans ingest it. Happy cleaning!
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