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Disinfection vs. Cleaning: What is the Difference and Why It Matters

Disinfecting a lightswitch

Have you ever walked into an office and thought, “Wow, this place is spotless!”? But then, a week later, half the team is out sick. Let’s talk about something that often flies under the radar but is super important for a healthy workspace: the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.

So, What’s the Big Difference?

Cleaning and disinfecting might seem like the same thing, but they are actually quite different—and both are crucial.

  • Cleaning is about removing visible dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces. Think wiping down your desk, vacuuming the carpets, or taking out the trash. It makes the place look neat and tidy.
  • Disinfecting, on the other hand, goes a step further. It involves using chemicals to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses on surfaces. This is the heavy-duty stuff that helps prevent the spread of illnesses.

Why Should You Care?

Germs spread quickly in places where people gather (like offices). A clean-looking surface might still be home to harmful microbes. By both cleaning and disinfecting, you are not only making the place look good but also making it safer for everyone.

Let’s Break It Down Further

1. Cleaning Removes, Disinfecting Kills

When you clean, you are physically removing germs from surfaces. This lower the number of germs and the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting kills the germs on surfaces after cleaning. Doing both is a one-two punch to keep your workspace healthy.

2. Different Tools for Different Jobs

  • Cleaning Supplies: Soap, detergents, vacuums, dusters.
  • Disinfectants: EPA-approved chemicals that are proven to kill germs.

3. Timing Is Everything

Regular cleaning can be a daily task, while disinfecting might be done less frequently, depending on the area and usage. High-touch areas like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones? Those should be disinfected more often and by following the instructions and dwell times present on the disinfectants.

Tips to Keep Your Workspace Both Clean and Disinfected

  • Develop a Schedule: Create a routine for both cleaning and disinfecting. Consistency is key.
  • Focus on High-Touch Areas: Pay extra attention to places everyone touches.
  • Use the Right Products: Not all cleaning products disinfect and not all disinfectants clean. Read and follow the labels to make sure you are using them correctly to provide the benefits of disinfectants.
  • Educate Your Team: Encourage good hygiene practices among employees, like handwashing and keeping personal spaces tidy.

Why Professional Help Might Be a Good Idea

Running a business is busy work and keeping up with cleaning and disinfecting can be a lot on top of everything else. That’s where we come in! Let us keep your business clean and safe so you can focus on your business. Our team knows the ins and outs of proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols. We use top-notch products and techniques to ensure your workspace is not just clean but genuinely safe.

Understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is not just a neat tidbit—it is essential knowledge that can help keep you and your team healthy. So, the next time you wipe down your desk, think about that extra step. And if you ever need a hand (or a whole team), you know where to find us!

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Stay clean and stay healthy!