Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Is There a Difference?
Yes, there is a big difference between cleaning and disinfecting. While both are essential for a healthy environment, they achieve distinct goals. Understanding this difference is key to maintaining a truly safe and hygienic space.
What is Cleaning?
Cleaning is the essential first step in surface hygiene. Think of it as physical removal.
It is the process of physically removing foreign materials from surfaces using detergents, soaps, and water. These materials include:
Dirt, dust, soil, and grease.
Organic materials like blood, secretions, and excretions.
The most important takeaway? Cleaning does not kill microorganisms. Instead, it gets rid of the food and shelter those germs need to survive. If a surface is not effectively cleaned first, remaining dirt and organic matter can shield germs and prevent disinfectants from working properly.
What is Disinfection?
Disinfection is the inactivation or killing of most microorganisms on surfaces.
This process typically involves the use of chemicals (disinfectants), heat, or ultraviolet (UV) light. While it doesn’t necessarily make a surface entirely free of all organisms (that’s sterilization), it neutralizes the pathogens that remain.
For a disinfectant to be effective, you must follow the manufacturer’s directions for dwell time (also known as contact time). This is the specific amount of time the disinfecting agent must stay wet on the surface to kill the targeted germs. If you wipe it off too soon, the process fails.
Choosing the Right Product: What to Consider?
Whether you need to clean, disinfect, or both depends entirely on your needs and the environment. Before choosing any agent, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends considering these critical factors:
Intended Use: Is the product designed for simple cleaning (a detergent), disinfection (a disinfectant), or both?
Efficacy: Does it effectively kill common microorganisms like bacteria and viruses?
Safety & Acceptability: Does it pose a health risk to users? Will it damage surfaces, leave strong residues, or have an unpleasant odor?
Contact Time: What is the recommended dwell time needed for the product to be effective?
Logistics: Are governing bodies regulating the substance? Is it cost-effective, readily available in the required volume, and does it require special handling equipment?
Ancenta’s Commitment to Disinfection and Peace of Mind
At Ancenta, we specialize in providing high-quality cleaning and disinfection services. With the lessons of the recent pandemic fresh in our minds, and with the cold and flu season upon us, we know that disinfection isn’t a luxury, it’s a priority.
We focus on thoroughly disinfecting high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, railings, desks, and tables. We use non-toxic, safe, yet highly effective cleaning and disinfecting agents.
The peace of mind and safety of our clients are paramount. By prioritizing proper cleaning followed by effective disinfection, we ensure that you receive the highest standard of care for your space.
