Home Disinfection & Sanitizing: What It Is & When You Need It

Cleaning removes dirt and germs from surfaces, sanitizing reduces germs to a safer level, and disinfecting kills a high percentage of germs on hard surfaces. Most homes are well served by thorough cleaning with sanitizing of high-touch points. Disinfection is most useful after illness, for immune-sensitive households, and in offices and shared spaces where many people touch the same surfaces.

Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting

These terms get used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Cleaning physically removes dirt, dust and many germs from a surface. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs to a level considered safe. Disinfecting uses stronger products to kill a high percentage of germs on hard, non-porous surfaces.

For most homes, regular thorough cleaning plus sanitizing of high-touch points, like handles, switches, remotes and faucets, covers everyday needs well.

When Disinfection Is Worth It

Disinfection makes the most sense in specific situations: after someone in the home has been sick, for households with immune-sensitive members, during cold and flu season, and in offices, waiting rooms and shared spaces where many people touch the same surfaces.

In a commercial setting, consistent sanitizing and disinfection of high-touch points is part of keeping staff and clients healthy, which is why it is a common part of our office and janitorial service.