Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the Key Differences

As a facility manager, you’re no doubt aware of the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for your employees, customers, and visitors. But when it comes to cleaning, you might have heard the terms sanitizing and disinfecting used interchangeably. While both processes are essential for cleanliness, they are not the same. Understanding the difference can help you make the best decisions for maintaining a healthy workplace.

What is Sanitizing?

Sanitizing refers to reducing the number of germs on a surface to a level that is considered safe by public health standards. This process typically uses chemical cleaners or cleaning agents to lower the number of bacteria and viruses present, helping to prevent the spread of illness. Sanitizing is often used in areas where food is prepared or handled, such as kitchens and break rooms, as well as in common areas like bathrooms and lobbies.

However, sanitizing does not kill all bacteria or viruses. Instead, it lowers the potential risk of illness by reducing the concentration of harmful microorganisms.

What is Disinfecting?

Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves using specialized chemical agents that are designed to kill or inactivate harmful germs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces. Disinfection is a more thorough process and is generally used in higher-risk areas where harmful pathogens are likely to spread. Common examples include healthcare settings, high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons, and areas where viruses (such as the flu or COVID-19) are of particular concern.

Disinfecting is a more powerful cleaning method, often requiring a contact time to be effective. It eliminates a broader range of pathogens compared to sanitizing.

Which One Do You Need for Your Office?

The decision to sanitize or disinfect depends on the specific needs of your space. If you’re maintaining routine cleanliness and hygiene in areas like kitchens, offices, and break rooms, sanitizing may be enough to reduce the risk of illness. However, if you have high-touch surfaces, frequent foot traffic, or are concerned about the spread of infectious diseases, disinfecting may be the more appropriate choice.

For businesses that need both daily maintenance and deeper, more thorough cleaning, a combination of both sanitizing and disinfecting may be required to keep your workplace safe and healthy.

Let Us Handle It for You

At Wilkins Refresh Cleaning Service, we specialize in both sanitizing and disinfecting services tailored to the needs of your business. Whether you're looking for routine cleaning or a more comprehensive disinfection protocol, our team is equipped with the expertise and tools to keep your workspace spotless and safe.

Let us take care of the cleaning so you can focus on running your business. Click here to schedule a consultation and learn how our professional cleaning services can help keep your environment healthier for everyone!