The words “disinfect” and “clean” are often used interchangeably, but they each actually refer to different activities. The main difference between the two lies in the designation of the areas that are deemed necessary to clean or disinfect.
Here’s the difference between disinfecting and cleaning.
Cleaning Zones
To begin with, you generally clean places that can potentially harbor the growth of germs and directly transfer them to you. Using soap and water can clean certain surfaces alone and eliminate most of the germs.
In other words, you clean surfaces on which dirt or dust can easily be spotted. These surfaces generally include tabletops, floors, and windows. When you’re doing your laundry, you don’t really have to disinfect your clothes.
During extreme cases when your clothes are heavily dirtied, you want to try to give them a rinse before placing them in the washing machine—or simply choose the feature on your machine for soaking the clothes, if it has one.
When you’re cleaning, keep in mind that when you use warm water, you can kill more germs. That’s why it’s often recommended to use warmer water to wash your dishes and garments that can withstand the higher temperatures.
Disinfecting Areas
Disinfecting basically helps to kill more germs than cleaning will. When you disinfect a surface, you’re making the germs inactive. Therefore, you should always disinfect the areas that are repeatedly touched.
Whether you’re the one who touches a particular surface on a regular basis, or several people come in contact with it, disinfecting is a must for getting rid of what could turn into harmful pathogens.
For example, you should disinfect:
- Washing machines that contain the clothes of ill family members.
- Household and office electronics including phones/mobile devices, computer keyboards and mice, and remote controls.
- Doorknobs, cabinet doors, fridge handles, and faucets.
- Toilet seat and handle, and bathroom sink.
- Kitchen appliances including your microwave and coffee machine.
You can use simple products to disinfect your items and surfaces. Most of the time, a wet wipe will get the job done. For more intense disinfecting chores, the use of chlorine bleach is especially helpful.
Despite The Difference Between Disinfecting and Cleaning, Both Are Needed
Despite the difference between disinfecting and cleaning, they generally work together simultaneously. Cleaning alone can sometimes suffice, but you can’t disinfect an area without cleaning it first. Pet toys and children’s toys, for instance, must be cleaned first and then disinfected to get the best results.
The cleaning of items and surfaces will usually get rid of visible marks and dirt along with some of the germs while disinfecting them will make the pathogens sedentary. You should always have clean hands before taking on any of those tasks.
Contact GreenPro NYC
You might wash your hands often and try to get as much cleaning done as you can, but having reinforcements can make a world of a difference. At GreenPro NYC, we have the tools and expertise to assure that a germ-free area surrounds you.
If you’re interested in learning about our professional cleaning services contact GreenPro NYC today.
