Cleaning vs. Disinfecting/Sanitizing vs Sterilization

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning vs. disinfecting/sanitizing vs. sterilization

When it comes to cleaning or disinfecting/sanitizing do you know the difference?

Cleaning

Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It doesn’t kill germs, but removing them, lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting/sanitizing disinfecting/sanitizing refers to using chemicals (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectants) to kill germs on surfaces. This process doesn’t necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but killing germs on a surface after cleaning, can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sterilization

Sterilization describes a process of destroying or eliminating all forms of microbial life and is carried out in health care facilities by physical or chemical methods.

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