What is the Difference Between Cleaning and Sanitizing?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between cleaning and sanitizing lies in their purposes and the methods used. Here are the key differences:
- Cleaning:
- Removes dirt, dust, and visible soil from surfaces using soap or detergents.
- Physically removes most germs, dirt, and impurities from objects and surfaces.
- Usually comes before sanitizing or disinfecting objects and surfaces.
- Does not necessarily kill bacteria or viruses.
- Sanitizing:
- Reduces the number of germs on objects and surfaces to levels considered safe.
- Kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals, but does not necessarily kill viruses.
- Requires cleaning the surface first before sanitizing.
- Objects or surfaces that come in contact with mouths, such as toys or countertops, should be sanitized.
Both cleaning and sanitizing are essential for preventing the spread of disease and maintaining a safe environment. It is crucial to follow the directions on product labels and use the appropriate methods for each process to ensure optimal results.
Comparative Table: Cleaning vs Sanitizing
The main difference between cleaning and sanitizing is that cleaning involves removing debris and deposits on a surface, while sanitizing involves reducing or killing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi on a surface after it has been cleaned. Here is a table summarizing the differences between cleaning and sanitizing:
| Cleaning | Sanitizing |
|---|---|
| Removes dirt, dust, and other visible soils from surfaces | Reduces the number of bacterial contaminants to safe levels, in accordance with public health requirements |
| Does not necessarily kill germs | Kills bacteria quickly, but is less thorough than disinfecting |
| Typically completed with a cloth or wipe in conjunction with a detergent, soap, or solvent | Can work either by removing the germs or by killing them |
| Improves the effectiveness of sanitizing and disinfecting processes when performed before them | Per the CDC, a sanitizer must remove 99.999% of a specific test bacterium in 30 seconds |
In summary, cleaning is the process of removing visible dirt and debris from surfaces, while sanitizing is the process of reducing or killing microorganisms on a surface after it has been cleaned. Both processes are essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
- Cleaning vs Disinfecting
- Hygiene vs Sanitation
- Sanitation vs Sterilization
- Sterilization vs Disinfection
- Disinfection Fumigation vs Sanitization
- Bleach vs Disinfectant
- Antiseptic vs Disinfectant
- Antisepsis Disinfection vs Sterilization
- Scrub vs Cleanser
- Antibiotic vs Antiseptic
- Antibiotic vs Antiseptic vs Disinfectant
- Laundry vs Dry Clean
- Cleanser vs Face Wash
- Clorox vs Bleach
- Janitor vs Custodian
- Soap vs Detergents
- Rubbing Alcohol vs Hand Sanitizer
- Cleanser vs Exfoliator
- Pasteurization vs Sterilization