Welcome to ServiceMaster of Guelph

What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing?

Often times when it comes to the words clean, sanitize and disinfect they are used interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between these terms and knowing what they mean can help keep your home or workplace a clean and safe environment.

Cleaning physically removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces or objects. It involves using soap or detergent and water along with a mechanical action such as wiping to remove germs from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. In order to kill germs properly, chemicals need to be applied according to the label as each product is different. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. In order for a product to be considered a sanitizer, it must reduce bacteria on a surface by at least 99.9 percent. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

MORE ABOUT EMERGING PATHOGENS

What are some safety concerns after smoke and fire damage in my home?

Occupant and worker safety is ServiceMaster Restore’s top priority. During the initial inspection, safety hazards are identified and addressed, including debris removal, air quality, electrical issues, slip and trip hazards, etc. Burnt electrical appliances are separated out for disposal, and questionable electrical appliances are unplugged and tagged for evaluation of safe operation. Electrical power may have to be turned off until evaluation by a licensed electrician is completed.

MORE RESIDENTIAL FAQs

What causes mold?

Excess moisture caused by leaks or flooding in your commercial property — especially in typically damp environments like the kitchen and bathrooms — creates the perfect breeding ground for mold or mildew. To control and reduce the risk for mold growth in these areas, you must properly maintain your plumbing system and monitor any appliances in your facility that use large quantities of water, such as dish washers. Small amounts of indoor mold are unavoidable and usually harmless. In damp environments, however, mold spores can more easily reproduce and cause more serious and difficult to remove mold problems.

MORE COMMERCIAL FAQs