Commercial Cleaning in the COVID-19 World: What to Add – Disinfecting or Sanitizing

Public health was never the primary focus in business operations before COVID-19. Cleaning procedures were in place but mainly for cosmetic purposes. By and large, understanding the intricacies of cleanliness was never a top priority.

Since the pandemic overtook our lives, safety and hygiene have very much become an overarching concern for all. The nature of the virus became crucial to understand. Methods to combat it was researched and injected into daily work routines. All of a sudden, understanding what it meant to be “clean” became a top priority for businesses around the globe.

While they have always seemed interchangeable, “disinfecting” and “sanitizing” are important to delineate. The similarities and differences between the two as cleaning strategies could be wildly consequential for the safety of employees and customers.

What is Sanitizing?

Sanitizing is the removal of germs from surfaces. Safe levels of sanitation are determined by public health authorities. In most households, sanitizing is preferred and recommended cleaning method for surfaces.

Sanitizing refers more to reducing the number of germs rather than killing them all. In terms of cleaning, clears surfaces of visible contaminants and reduces the number of bacteria. 

By law, cleaners need to be EPA-certified in order to carry a “sanitizer” or “disinfectant” label. Some products can qualify as both. The EPA clearly defines sanitizers as being able to kill at 99.9 percent of germs. This does not include most viruses, mold or fungi. 

What is Disinfecting?

Disinfecting refers to killing germs on surfaces. Through the use of chemicals, disinfectants lower the risk of spreading infection by eliminating viruses, bacterias, mold and fungi. It is a much stronger, more thorough method than sanitizing.

As defined by the EPA, a disinfectant kills 99.999 percent of microorganisms. Disinfectants do not kill all germs, so chemical labels and guides detail which microorganisms they target. A key distinction between sanitizing and disinfecting is that disinfecting does not necessarily refer to the removal of visible contaminants from surfaces.

When to Sanitize and When to Disinfect

In residences, sanitizing is the recommended cleaning method if nobody is sick. Sanitizing reduces the instance of most germs, often providing a sufficient level of cleanliness.

Sanitizers are popular in foodservice establishments because they are safer when someone comes into contact with them. Because disinfectants are so powerful, coming into bodily contact with or ingesting its residue can be enough to cause serious harm. 

Safe cleaners are an especially important consideration when cleaning countertops that will be used for food preparation. Food contact sanitizers are special cleaners that can effectively sanitize surfaces that will come into contact with food later. With these products, it is critical to follow use instructions for safety and let the products dry completely.

Disinfecting in the Workplace

Being the more powerful solution, disinfectants are best used in areas used by a known sick person or on high-touch surfaces. In areas with constant contact by many people in the workplace, disinfectants should be used periodically. They are especially important in areas prone to contamination, such as bathrooms. Common touchpoints include:

• Doorknobs
• Sinks and toilets
• Light switches
• Handles
• Desks and tables
• Keyboards
• Phones

There are CDC guidelines on disinfecting in commercial facilities to follow for optimal safety and compliance. The following are key takeaways from their directions:

• Clean surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting. Washing first reduces the amount of dirt, germs and other contaminants on surfaces.

• Use EPA-approved disinfectants in the workplace to kill COVID-19. The organization regularly updates its list of surface-safe COVID-19 disinfectants.

• Follow disinfectant use and warning labels. Products vary in how long they need to be applied before wipedown (“contact”, “dwell” or “wet” times) and what germs they combat. Carefully choosing and using products according to the labels ensure effective and safe use.

• Adhere to guidelines for handling cases of COVID-19 exposure. If someone in the workplace is diagnosed with COVID-19, areas used by that person must be closed off. Air the areas out for 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. After seven days of being clear of infected individuals, normal cleaning routines can be restored.

• Clean high-touch surfaces at least once daily. Disinfect as often as needed throughout the day. Be sure to wear PPE and revise cleaning procedures based on its availability.

• Make your own disinfectant with bleach, if needed. Mixing one-third cup bleach with a gallon of room-temperature water makes a viable substitute for store-bought disinfectant.

Dangers of Disinfectants

Disinfectants are the most effective tool in eliminating the potential for spreading pathogens like the coronavirus. Given how effective they are, it may be confusing as to why you need to know the difference between sanitizers and disinfectants. While disinfectants can eliminate hazardous contaminants, they carry inherent dangers as well.

Disinfectants can be highly hazardous to skin, and health in general, from overexposure. With many powerful disinfectants, contact with skin can result in blistering rashes. This is one reason that they make “hand sanitizer” (which is effective when it contains 60 percent alcohol) and not “hand disinfectant”. It also explains why caution is critical in restaurants. Contact with food, or food prep surfaces, can cause serious illness.

Another reason to use disinfectants sparingly is the potential for “superbugs“. With heavy use, there is a potential for pathogens to develop an immunity to disinfectants and sanitizers. This means that stronger disinfectants will be necessary, raising the risk of harm to humans and the environment.

Summary: When to Use Sanitizers and Disinfectants

In short, sanitizers should be a go-to for everyday germ removal. Use them for cleaning spills and contaminated areas in otherwise healthy workspaces. Save disinfectants for high-touch or heavily contaminated surfaces and in areas exposed to infectious diseases. Be sure to reference CDC guidelines for the appropriate use of pathogen-killing chemicals.

Since 1996, Allied Facility Care has been the premier provider of commercial cleaning and janitorial services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact our team to discuss your cleaning needs and how we can help you ensure a clean, safe and productive work environment.