If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic made us do, it is to be more aware of our hygiene and be mindful of our cleaning practices. Now that some businesses were allowed to reopen, most of the business owners request for office cleaning services involving sanitizing or disinfecting their workspace. There also have been an increase in request for home disinfection coming from homeowners recently. Sanitizing and disinfection, how do they differ really? Here is the answer:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
“Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.”
It is important to note that cleaning cleaning a surface is not the same as disinfecting since the latter kills viruses and bacteria. Also, since sanitation is a little gentler than disinfection, it is best used for surfaces that do not typically come in contact with seriously dangerous bacteria. Disinfection is for the bigger stuff. In a household setting , sanitation is used for a kid’s play area while disinfection is for toilets, sinks and other high touch surfaces such as door knobs.
What products should you use for disinfection?
There are a lot of disinfectant products out there so you have to read the labels and if possible, use EPA-approved disinfectants. Pay close attention to the active ingredient of the product when you are shopping for cleaning supplies. You have to make sure that active ingredients such as these are present:
Ethanol alcohol (60%-90%)*
Hydrogen peroxide
Isopropyl alcohol (60%-90%)
Quaternary Ammonium
Sodium hypochlorite
What are the top areas of the home to disinfect?
Given this whole COVID situation, it is recommended that you disinfect your home regularly to prevent the spread of any diseases. High touch areas or areas you come in contact with multiple times a day should be regularly disinfected, these include but not limited to:
Doorknobs
Light switches
Remote controls
Phones
Keyboards
Backs of chairs
You may use bleach in cleaning these areas and follow this guide:
Always follow the directions on how to use whatever disinfectant you use to ensure effectivity on your disinfection process. Not following the directions, especially when mixing ingredient quantities will not effectively disinfect the area you are disinfecting. It will just be a waste of resources, time , and effort. Another important thing to remember is to ALWAYS follow important safety protocols in handling these products such as wearing gloves and avoiding contact with your eyes to avoid hurting yourself or others.
A Word of Caution
Cleaning product ingredient should never be mixed, unless stated on the manufacturer’s guide. This is because mixing cleaning product ingredients produce hazardous reaction and/or toxic gases. The following are some of the ingredients you should not mix together:
Bleach and Vinegar
Bleach and Ammonia
Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol
Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar
By properly cleaning and disinfecting our homes and offices, we are contributing to flattening the curve of today’s pandemic by minimizing the spread of the virus. Implementing these best practices in our homes will not only keep our family safe but will also contribute to a healthier environment at home.
