The difference between disinfecting and cleaning

For many, the terms ‘cleaning’ and ‘disinfecting’ are often used interchangeably. You might hear someone say they cleaned their kitchen when in reality, all they did was give it a quick wipe down with a cloth. But what is the difference between disinfecting and cleaning?

What is cleaning?

Cleaning is the process of removing dirt, germs, clutter and other debris from surfaces or objects. It can be done by wiping with a cloth or sweeping up dirt to make sure surfaces look neat and tidy. Generally speaking, this step is more focused on making an area look good but doesn’t necessarily kill any germs lurking around as it only removes them from surfaces.

What is disinfecting?

Disinfecting is the process of killing germs on surfaces or objects to reduce their numbers and lower the risk of spreading infection. It’s more than just cleaning as it involves using chemicals or other agents that can actually kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. Disinfecting an area will help to make sure that any germs lingering around are eliminated for good.

When should you clean vs disinfect?

The answer depends on what you’re trying to do. If you want to keep an area looking neat and orderly, then cleaning might be enough. But if you want to reduce the risk of spreading harmful germs, then disinfecting is the way to go. It’s important to keep both processes in mind when you’re cleaning your home or office so that you can make sure all surfaces are free from dirt and germs.

So don’t let cleaning and disinfecting get mixed up – they might both involve wiping down surfaces but they do very different things. Knowing the difference between them is essential if you want to keep your surroundings clean, tidier and healthier!

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