Understanding the Distinctions Between Sanitization and Disinfection
When talking about cleaning, especially deep cleaning, the terms "sanitize" and "disinfect" are often used. People even use them interchangeably. However, there's a significant distinction between the two. Understanding this difference can influence the cleaning products you choose and how you use them, ensuring a better, deeper clean where it's needed most.
According to Travers Anderson, R&D Group Manager at Clorox, the main difference lies in their functions. Sanitization reduces contamination or bacteria to a safe level. On the other hand, disinfection kills everything on a surface. In simpler terms, sanitizing decreases the number of germs, while disinfecting eliminates them altogether. Cleaning, in the technical sense, involves removing debris or dirt without necessarily killing or eliminating bacteria.
So when should you opt for sanitization and when is disinfection required? Sanitizing is ideal for surfaces that usually avoid hazardous bacteria or shouldn't come into contact with harsh chemicals. These include cooking tools, food preparation surfaces, and toys that children frequently touch or put in their mouths.
Disinfecting, however, is suitable for major messes, especially those involving bodily fluids, blood, and similar substances. In household settings, this would apply to toilets or sinks. Regularly, disinfection is used in medical contexts as well. Household bathroom cleaners containing bleach are designed to disinfect when left on surfaces for a specific duration.
When selecting the appropriate products, go for a stronger agent for disinfecting than for sanitizing.
Bleach
Water and bleach solutions can function as a reliable sanitizer in lower concentrations and a powerful disinfectant in higher concentrations, provided you adhere to contact time recommendations.
Vinegar
Cleaning vinegar is a popular choice for cleaning, but it's not a registered disinfectant or sanitizer. It may not eliminate dangerous bacteria. Surfaces like natural stone should avoid acid-based solutions as their porous structure can degrade over time. Opt for a safe granite countertop cleaner instead.
All-Purpose Cleaners
All-purpose cleaners, such as disinfecting wipes, offer a convenient solution for effectively cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting tricky items and surfaces like doorknobs, keys, cell phones, and light switches.
Alternatives
If following the routine steps of your cleaning checklist, a gentle cleaner works fine for removing dirt and grime. Steam mops provide an effective alternative to common formulas for cleaning and sanitizing while avoiding harsh chemicals. If more powerful cleaning is required, though, understanding the differences between sanitizing and disinfecting can help you decide when to use heavy-duty cleaners. At least, you can ensure you're using the correct terminology.
After learning about the distinction between sanitizing and disinfecting, you might consider using RealSimple's cleaning guide to ensure a proper clean at home. For example, you could sanitize your kitchen countertops by using a diluted bleach solution, as it can function as a reliable sanitizer in lower concentrations, but opt for a registered disinfectant for deep cleaning, such as during a meal prep session where bacteria are particularly concerned.
