When it comes to maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment, the terms cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting are often used interchangeably. However, in the world of hygiene, these terms are far from synonymous.
Each has a distinct function and plays a crucial role in ensuring your home, office, or business is free from harmful microbes, dirt, and allergens. Understanding the differences between them—and why some methods fail—is key to achieving a truly clean space.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting, helping you understand why cleaning alone is often insufficient to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses. We’ll also discuss why certain cleaning methods fail to do their job and what you can do to improve your cleaning regimen.
The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitising, And Disinfecting
Before diving into why cleaning methods fail, it’s essential to establish the differences between cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting.
- Cleaning
Cleaning is the physical removal of dirt, dust, grime, and visible debris from surfaces. It typically involves using water, soap or detergent, and a scrubbing tool like a cloth or sponge to wipe away dirt. While cleaning can remove some bacteria and viruses through physical removal, it does not necessarily kill germs.
- Removes dirt, dust, and visible debris
- Does not necessarily eliminate bacteria or viruses
- Essential as a first step in any sanitation or disinfection process
- Sanitising
Sanitising refers to reducing the number of germs to a safe level as determined by public health standards. It is generally done using a sanitising solution or a sanitiser wipe. Unlike disinfectants, sanitisers are designed to lower the microbial count rather than eliminating all microorganisms.
Key Points:
- Reduces the number of germs to a safe level
- Effective in environments like kitchens and bathrooms where low levels of contamination are acceptable
- Often used on surfaces that come into contact with food or in spaces that require frequent, quick cleaning
- Disinfecting
Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves using a stronger chemical agent, usually a disinfectant, to kill a broad spectrum of harmful microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Disinfectants are generally more powerful than sanitisers and can kill germs on surfaces. However, for maximum effectiveness, disinfectants need to be applied for a longer period and on surfaces that have been cleaned beforehand.
- Kills a wide range of harmful microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi
- Usually requires a longer contact time to be effective
- Often used in healthcare settings, food preparation areas, and high-risk environments
Why Cleaning Methods Fail To Achieve Effective Sanitisation Or Disinfection
While cleaning is an essential first step, it is not always enough to prevent the spread of illness or contamination. Here’s why traditional cleaning methods may fall short in providing adequate sanitisation or disinfection:
- Cleaning Doesn’t Kill Germs
As mentioned, cleaning is about removing visible dirt and debris. While this is a critical step, it doesn’t necessarily kill bacteria or viruses. For example, simply wiping down a kitchen counter with a damp cloth might remove crumbs and smudges but will leave behind microscopic germs that can cause illness.
To kill bacteria, viruses, or fungi, you need either a sanitiser or disinfectant. Cleaning can help remove some of the organic material that germs cling to, but it does not provide a thorough microbial cleanse.
- Inadequate Use Of Cleaning Products
Another reason cleaning may fail to achieve the desired results is improper use of cleaning products. Many cleaning products are designed for specific tasks—using them incorrectly or in the wrong quantity can compromise their effectiveness. For instance, applying a disinfectant and immediately wiping it off without allowing the recommended contact time reduces its ability to eliminate germs.
The British Standard BS EN 13697 outlines the testing methods for disinfectants in non-food environments. It recommends that disinfectants be applied for a minimum period (typically 5 to 10 minutes) to ensure they effectively kill bacteria and viruses. If you wipe down a surface too quickly, the disinfectant doesn’t have enough time to work.
- Cross-Contamination
Cleaning tools, such as cloths, sponges, and mops, can also contribute to failure in maintaining hygiene standards. If a cloth or mop is used repeatedly without cleaning, it can transfer dirt, bacteria, and viruses to different surfaces. This is particularly problematic in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where contamination is more likely.
Cleaning tools should be sanitised or replaced regularly to prevent the spread of microbes. It’s important to use separate cloths for different areas (e.g., one for toilets and one for kitchens) to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Resistance To Cleaning Products
Another factor contributing to ineffective cleaning is the growing resistance of some bacteria and viruses to certain cleaning products. Some pathogens can develop resistance to common chemicals over time, making traditional cleaning methods less effective.
For example, many household disinfectants may no longer be able to kill certain strains of bacteria or viruses, which is why more powerful or specialised disinfectants are needed. This is where modern, hospital-grade disinfectants or solutions designed for high-risk areas come into play.
Improving Your Cleaning, Sanitising, And Disinfecting Routine
Now that we’ve explored why cleaning methods sometimes fail, let’s look at ways you can enhance your cleaning routine to achieve better results.
- Clean First, Disinfect Later
Always remember the basic principle: clean before you disinfect. Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter, making it easier for disinfectants to do their job. Apply your cleaning product first to remove debris, then follow up with a disinfectant for effective microbial elimination.
- Use The Right Products For The Job
Choosing the right cleaning or disinfecting product is crucial. If you’re disinfecting, make sure the product is suitable for the type of surface you’re cleaning. For example, chlorine bleach is an effective disinfectant for hard, non-porous surfaces but can damage fabrics or metals. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and contact time.
- Train Your Staff Or Family Members
Educate your cleaning staff or household members about the differences between cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting, and how to use each product effectively. Proper training ensures that each step is done properly and avoids common mistakes that can lead to ineffective cleaning.
- Focus On High-Touch Areas
Certain areas of your home or office require more frequent sanitising or disinfecting, such as door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, and remote controls. These high-touch surfaces are more likely to harbour harmful germs and should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Treating Stains At The Source
While cleaning is an essential first step in keeping your environment tidy, it’s not enough to eliminate harmful germs or prevent illness. Sanitising and disinfecting are necessary to reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. By understanding the science behind cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting, you can make sure your methods are more effective and your environment is genuinely hygienic.
To truly protect against harmful microbes, it’s important to use the right products in the correct manner, maintain clean tools, and prioritise areas with the highest risk of contamination. With these practices, you’ll be able to create a safer, healthier space for your home or business.