Let’s face it – it can be confusing to understand what different types of cleaning products actually do. Don’t they all just clean your dirty workplace or office areas? Between soaps and detergents, sanitizers and disinfectants, keeping it all straight might be tough. Today we are going to get into more detail about two tough cleaners you’d want in any thorough cleaning program aimed at decontamination of germs at work: sanitizers and disinfectants. Let’s discuss the difference between sanitizers and disinfectants.
What is the Difference between Sanitizers and Disinfectants?
In short, sanitizers reduce the number of certain bacteria on surfaces. Disinfectants kill bacteria and germ microorganisms. Both sanitizers and disinfectants are certified by the EPA in America to be approved for these tasks. And while sanitizers are for attacking only bacteria on surfaces, disinfectants are certified and approved to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, and fungi.
EPA Certification and Regulation of Sanitizers and Disinfectants
These two types of cleaning agents are not simply allowed to be produced and sold on your grocery store shelves. Rather, these specialized cleaners need to be tested, labeled properly, and certified by the Environmental Protection Association in the US. Having confidence in sanitizers and disinfectants comes from this process of EPA testing and approval regulations. This process assures that cleaning with these products does what the bottle says, and most importantly, provides a clean and sanitized or disinfected workspace.
Cleaning with Sanitizers and Disinfectants
While sanitizers and disinfectants are a strong solution for your cleaning job, they aren’t always a good idea for the first round of cleaning. If the office space or work area is especially dirty, it’s best to clean the areas with a gentle soap and water solution before applying any of the sanitizers or disinfectant products. The sanitizers and disinfectants work differently than a more gentle cleaning solution like soaps and detergents; sanitizers and disinfectants need time to work after application. It should be noted on the bottle that the application of the sanitizers and disinfectants should be allowed to sit on the work area for a period of time before wiping or rinsing off. This time interval allows the sanitizers and disinfectant solutions the ability they need to kill off any viruses, mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria.
When to Use Sanitizers and Disinfectants
Sanitizers and disinfectants are the top of the line cleaning solutions when you need your work, office, or production areas deep cleaned and decontaminated. Their use is also a must when working to avoid contaminations from any food borne illnesses, viruses, and other bacterial infections during food prep or times of flu or other illnesses. We should note that while sanitizers are often used on a daily basis to keep your work environment clean and smelling nice, disinfectants are really the products to use when the spread of viruses or food borne illness is of concern.
Cleaning Your Workplace Right
After a complete review of the specialty cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting solutions available, choosing the perfect cleaning supplies should be easier. Keeping these tough cleaners on hand for certain situations is a must for particular types of businesses like restaurants, childcare and healthcare facilities. They should be easy to access and in good supply so they are always available as needed. Incorporating the right sanitizer or disinfectant cleaner in a complete cleaning plan is a good way to stay ahead of nasty germs, bacteria and viruses.
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Your Dependable Local Commercial Cleaning Service
When it’s time to bring in some skilled help to keep your restaurant, office, retail, manufacturing, childcare or healthcare spaces clean and sanitized on a regular basis, look to a professional cleaning team to take care of this for you. Turn to the trained, seasoned experts when you want your workplace cleaned right, including your restrooms, office spaces, and break rooms. Providing electrostatic disinfecting is also something to consider when you want to provide a safe and disinfected work environment.
We also have a great resource available when you are ready to move forward and bring in a cleaning crew for your business. Our professional cleaning staff is bonded, insured, and maintains OSHA compliance. We would be happy to clean, sanitize and disinfect your work environment for you! Please contact us online or call us at 571.451.0441 for answers to your questions and to schedule your janitorial cleaning appointment today!
