Maintaining a clean home is essential for your family’s health, but understanding when to sanitize versus when to disinfect can save time and effort. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes. Knowing when to sanitize and when to disinfect ensures you’re targeting germs effectively.

Understanding the Difference Between Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Sanitizing and disinfecting are both methods of cleaning, but they target germs in different ways. Sanitizing reduces the number of bacteria on surfaces to a safe level, usually killing about 99.9% of bacteria, but it doesn’t necessarily eliminate all types of germs, including viruses. Disinfecting, on the other hand, is a more powerful method that kills nearly 100% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces. While sanitizing is sufficient for routine cleaning, disinfecting is crucial for high-risk areas and when illness is present.

Think of sanitize as “safe” and disinfect as “destroy.” When you sanitize, you’re making something safe by reducing bacteria to safe levels, which is good for everyday cleaning. When you disinfect, you need to completely destroy harmful germs, like when someone is sick or after handling raw meat. So, if it’s about routine cleaning, think “safe” (sanitize). If it’s about illness or contamination, think “destroy” (disinfect).

Are Both Sanitizing and Disinfecting Involving Spray and Wipe? Why Not Use Disinfectant All the Time?

Great question! Both sanitizing and disinfecting can involve spraying and wiping, but the difference lies in the strength of the cleaner and how long you let it sit. Sanitizers are meant for everyday use and reduce bacteria to safe levels quickly, often drying fast. Disinfectants need more time to work—typically sitting on the surface for a few minutes to kill viruses and bacteria.

So, why not use disinfectants all the time? Disinfectants can be more intense, often containing harsher chemicals. Using them constantly can lead to surface damage over time, and they might leave behind strong chemical residues, which isn’t ideal for areas like kitchen counters or where kids and pets frequently touch. Sanitizers, on the other hand, are gentler and perfect for regular cleaning without overloading your home with chemicals. Think of it like this: sanitize for everyday maintenance, disinfect when there’s a real “bad guy” (like a virus) that needs taking down!

When to Sanitize

Sanitizing reduces bacteria to safe levels, making it ideal for everyday cleaning in areas that are regularly used. It’s particularly useful for surfaces that don’t need heavy-duty cleaning but still require a level of cleanliness to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Sanitize these areas daily:

• Kitchen countertops and tables: Especially before and after preparing food.
• Doorknobs and light switches: High-traffic areas should be sanitized frequently.
• Kids’ toys: Sanitizing is effective for everyday cleaning without introducing harsh chemicals.
• Remote controls and keyboards: These surfaces collect bacteria but don’t need intense disinfection unless someone is sick.

When to Disinfect

Disinfecting kills a higher percentage of germs, including viruses, and is essential when illness strikes or when dealing with more vulnerable areas of your home. It’s especially necessary after exposure to raw food or when someone in the household is sick.

Disinfect these areas as needed:

• Bathrooms: Toilet seats, handles, and bathroom sinks should be disinfected at least weekly and more often if someone is unwell.
• Kitchen sinks: After handling raw meat, poultry, or fish, disinfect to eliminate bacteria.
• Trash cans: Regularly disinfect trash cans to reduce the risk of contamination.
• High-touch surfaces during illness: Disinfect doorknobs, handles, and phones frequently when a family member is sick to prevent the spread of viruses.

A Simple Rule of Thumb

• Sanitize when you need to maintain everyday cleanliness.
• Disinfect when a surface has been exposed to harmful bacteria or viruses, or during illness.

Recommended Brands for Sanitizing and Disinfecting

• Sanitizer:
  • Method All-Purpose Cleaner: This plant-based cleaner is effective for everyday sanitizing and gentle on surfaces, ideal for quick clean-ups.
  • Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner: A popular eco-friendly option that sanitizes while leaving a fresh, natural scent.
• Disinfectant:
  • Lysol Disinfectant Spray: A well-known and highly effective disinfectant for killing bacteria and viruses, perfect for high-touch areas.
  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: Convenient for quick, powerful disinfection, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

By knowing when to sanitize and when to disinfect, you can maintain a healthier home without overloading it with harsh chemicals. Regular sanitizing helps keep bacteria levels in check, making your home safe for daily activities, while disinfecting is reserved for those times when more thorough germ elimination is needed, such as during flu season or after handling raw food. This balanced approach not only protects your family from harmful germs but also prevents unnecessary exposure to stronger chemicals that can be damaging to surfaces over time.

For more extensive cleaning needs, especially in high-traffic areas like medical offices, commercial spaces, or workplaces, consider professional services. Good Cleaner Co. specializes in medical office cleaning, office maintenance, and commercial cleaning services, ensuring your space stays sanitized and disinfected according to the highest standards. Our team uses industry-leading products and techniques to provide a safe, healthy environment, whether it’s for your patients, employees, or customers. Contact Good Cleaner Co. today to schedule a professional clean and keep your space at its best!