The average person carries between two and ten million bacteria on their hands and arms. Thankfully, these organisms stop spreading with proper sanitation and disinfection.
But what’s the difference between sanitation vs disinfection? Take a look at this guide about the differences and how they impact your cleaning process.
What Is Sanitation?
Sanitizing is the step you take after cleaning. This process involves reducing the number of harmful bacteria and organisms on surfaces.
Sanitation acts as a fantastic preventative measure before disinfection. This step curbs the growth of germs if it’s done many times a day on heavy-contact surfaces.
But sanitation shouldn’t replace all other cleaning measures. This is because it doesn’t kill 100% of harmful bacteria and organisms. Examples of areas that need sanitizing several times a day include food prep stations and any other surface touched by many people.
What Is Disinfection?
Disinfecting is the last step in the cleaning process. Disinfectants kill almost 100% of viruses and bacteria on heavily-used surfaces. But these surfaces must be hard and non-porous.
High-contact areas that need regular disinfection include keyboards, phones, and touchpads.
The Difference Between Sanitation vs Disinfection
Sanitation reduces germs while disinfectants kill germs. Even though disinfectants are stronger, food prep stations should opt for regular sanitation techniques instead. Disinfectant ingredients are harmful if ingested.
Disinfectants only work on hard non-porous surfaces. Items like cutting boards and wood surfaces need regular sanitation instead.
Benefits of Sanitizing and Disinfecting
Both techniques are useful when taking the right precautions. With a solid cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting routine, you’ll avoid harmful germs and viruses spreading in your business.
Benefits of Sanitizing
Sanitizing prevents the spread of viruses by reducing the number of germs on any surface. That makes it perfect for high-contact businesses like medical clinics, banks, and the DMV.
Sanitizing between customers quickly reduces the spread of harmful bacteria without much effort. It also reduces health care costs and quick spreader events among employees and customers.
Benefits of Disinfecting
Disinfecting every hard surface at the end of the day keeps germs at bay and makes sanitizing more effective. Sanitation on its own only reduces bacteria. Disinfecting at least once a day kills the remaining germs that linger on your surfaces.
Deep disinfection offers major healthcare commercial cleaning benefits. This is because these types of businesses harbor and spread germs without proper precautions. Disinfecting also helps prevent the spread of deadly viruses like MRSA and staph infections, as well as plenty of other viruses.
Keeping Clean
When comparing sanitation vs disinfection, it’s clear that both have their place in the cleaning process. Keeping high-contact areas sanitized encourages health and safety. Plus, performing a deep disinfection at the end of the business day will keep harmful viruses and bacteria away.
If you’re still searching for interesting health insights, you’re in the right place. Feel free to browse the rest of our website for helpful information about other health topics related to exercise, sleep, and more.
