Detroit Michigan Janitorial & Cleaning Services Blog

Sanitizing and Disinfecting Services: What's the difference?

Written by Adam Stathakis | Wed, Feb 08, 2023 @ 11:15 AM

Introduction

Sanitizing and disinfecting services both use chemicals to clean surfaces and kill germs, but there is a difference between the two. Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on a surface while disinfecting kills the germs. Disinfecting is the more effective of the two methods, but both have their place in keeping surfaces clean and safe.
 
Sanitizing is most commonly used in food preparation areas while disinfecting is used in medical settings. However, both sanitizing and disinfecting services can be used in any setting where there is a need to clean surfaces and kill germs. If you are looking for a sanitizing or disinfecting service, make sure to choose a reputable building service contractor that uses high-quality chemicals and equipment.
 

What is Sanitizing?

Sanitizing is the process of reducing the number of germs and other microorganisms on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as determined by public health standards. Sanitizing is usually done through the use of heat, chemicals, or ultraviolet light. Sanitizing does not kill bacteria and viruses, but it does reduce their numbers significantly enough to reduce the risk of them spreading and causing illness. Sanitizing services are often used in food preparation areas, where surfaces must be kept clean and free of harmful bacteria. Sanitizing is most commonly done through the use of chemical cleaning agents. These agents can be sprayed or wiped on surfaces or can be applied through a steam or hot water cleaning machine. Chemical sanitizing agents are usually made up of different ingredients, such as chlorine, quaternary ammonium compounds, and surfactants. Combining these ingredients creates a cleaning solution that effectively kills bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms.
 

What is Disinfecting?

Disinfecting is the process of killing germs, bacteria, and viruses on surfaces and objects. Disinfecting is usually done through the use of chemical disinfectants, which are designed to kill germs and viruses on contact. Disinfecting services are usually used in medical settings, such as hospitals and medical offices, as well as in homes and public spaces. Disinfectants used in disinfecting services are usually made up of different ingredients, such as alcohol, chlorine, phenolic compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid. Each of these ingredients has its own function, and when combined, they create a powerful solution that effectively kills germs, bacteria, and viruses.

When to Use Each Method

The sanitizing and disinfecting services needed will depend on the environment. Food preparation areas should use sanitizing services to keep surfaces clean, while medical settings should use disinfecting services to kill germs and other microorganisms. Disinfecting should also be used in public spaces with a lot of foot traffic, such as airports and bus stations.

The importance of both methods

No matter the environment, sanitizing and disinfecting services are both important to ensure cleanliness and safety. Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces, while disinfecting kills the germs. Both methods work together to keep surfaces and objects clean and free from harmful bacteria and viruses.

How often should each method be used?

The frequency of sanitizing and disinfecting services will depend on the environment. Food preparation areas should be sanitized daily, and medical settings should be disinfected after every use. Public spaces should also be disinfected regularly to kill germs and reduce the risk of spreading illnesses. The Bottom Line Sanitizing and disinfecting services are both necessary for keeping environments safe and clean. Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces, while disinfecting kills the germs. The frequency of use and the type of services needed will depend on the environment, but both methods are essential in keeping environments free from harmful bacteria and viruses.