• Hygiene and Sanitation

  The differences between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing

  Posted by Nigel on 31 May 2020 at 3:52 am

  In the commercial cleaning industry, there are many words which are used all the time which many people just agree with without knowing the exactly what they mean. From cleaning to sanitizing to disinfecting, we’ve listed what each mean below to help you know the difference.

  Cleaning

  The physical hands on removal of visible soil, debris, micro-organisms and organic substances from surfaces; will not eliminate germs but may reduce their numbers by removing some contaminated matter.

  Cleaning is the first step in a complete decontamination process, but it’s a step you can’t skip. Even if you intend to sanitise or disinfect the area, cleaning away visible matter, dust or debris beforehand makes it more effective to remove germs, bacteria, viruses and micros spores with more intensive methods later.

  Cleaning is typically done using a cleaning agent, such as a detergent, spray or polish with contact removal using a cloth, wipes or mop etc.

  Items with a low risk for transferring pathogens like floors and windows may only need surface cleaning. Even so, these surfaces can be cross-contaminated and harbour increased risk for disease transfer.

  Disinfection

  The elimination of pathogens and disease-causing micro-organisms, except bacterial spores using a disinfectant.

  Disinfection is a stronger decontamination method because of its ability to destroy pathogens.

  There are several grades of chemical disinfectants. Choose one that meets your facility’s environmental needs:

  Low-level disinfectant, which are typically sold to the public kill almost all vegetative bacteria and some viruses and fungi, but not bacterial spores.

  High level disinfectant works to eliminates all micro-organisms except for small numbers of bacterial spores; capable of killing bacterial spores when used in adequate higher concentration under suitable conditions.
  Hospital grade disinfectants are approved for use in hospitals and other medical facilities including clinics and dentist offices, to destroy many known infections and disease causing bacteria.

  Sanitation

  Is the reduction of bacteria to safe levels (set by public health standards worldwide) to decrease the risk of infection and depending on the type of solution being used may not kill all viruses.

  When used with a Log 6 solution, this is major step beyond cleaning, sanitisation kills a greater amount of bacteria and is required for any surface that comes into contact with food.

  The CDC defines that “a sanitiser is a chemical that kills 99.999% of the specific test bacteria in 30 seconds under the conditions of the test.” Therefore, while most sanitisers can kill the majority of certain kinds of bacteria, sanitisation products and techniques alone, the majority cannot eliminate all viruses.

  The surfaces in your facility that are most at risk for contamination will require additional decontamination to effectively control your liability.

  Sanitise in the UK uses a market leading solution that has a certified log 6, 99.9999% efficacy that eliminates bacteria, viruses, yeasts, fungi (including molds), bacterial endospores and a broad protozoan spectrum.

  The special disinfectant is a proven Bactericidal, mycobactericidal, tuberculocidal, virucidal, fungicidal, sporicidal that is without alcohol, chlorine, QAC, dyes or fragrances, environmentally safe and safe to humans. Perfect for medical / laboratory applications, veterinary applications, water damage restoration and to eliminate highly contagious germs like norovirus and the coronavirus.

  Call them today (UK) 0330 001 0863 or contact us via our web site https://www.sanitise.net

  

  Nigel replied 4 years, 7 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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