Ahem! Despite just completing the task of tidying up the household, you can still hear the recognizable noise of a sneeze likely caused by dust. What implications does this have? Could the area still not be sufficiently clean? In this piece, we will examine the differences between Sanitisation and Disinfection.
How can we define “clean enough”?
Homeowners often ponder this question after devoting countless hours to meticulously cleaning every corner of their house. But the answer can only be determined by what is visible to the naked eye. If the doorknobs glisten, the floors are spotless, and the toilet bowl gleams like pearls, one might assume that the house is sufficiently clean.
Regrettably, this is not often the situation.
In the battle against germs and bacteria, it’s essential to understand the distinction between sanitisation and disinfection. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different levels of cleaning. By grasping the nuances between them, you can make informed decisions on how to keep your environment safe and healthy.
Sanitisation focuses on reducing the number of germs and bacteria to a safe level, as determined by health standards. It involves the use of chemicals or heat to kill or remove harmful microorganisms from surfaces. On the other hand, disinfection goes a step further by completely eliminating or inactivating all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Disinfection is typically used in situations where there is a higher risk of infection, such as in medical facilities or during a pandemic.
The Dangers Of Bacteria And Germs
Microscopic organisms can be found in our homes, even in areas we consider to be clean. Their small size allows them to reproduce without being noticed by the vigilant homeowners.
Despite being swept multiple times or having water splashed on them, countless microorganisms remain on your floor and toilet seats. These tiny creatures continue to thrive as they crawl and wriggle onto your skin.
Even though certain ubiquitous microorganisms such as lactobacillus can be beneficial, a significant number of harmful microbes, including pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other small organisms, can still find their way into the areas where we rest, eat, and engage in leisure activities.
As per a household germ study conducted by NSF International in 2011 , it was discovered that coliforms were present in 81% of households. These bacteria are predominantly found on kitchen surfaces, as well as on items such as the sink, sponges, and chopping boards. Gram-negative bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella fall under the category of coliforms and can lead to serious infections like pneumonia and neonatal meningitis.
In households, it was discovered that molds and yeast, which are strong triggers of allergic responses for a considerable number of people, were present in 31% of cases.
In addition to the usual moist areas where these microorganisms thrive, such as the bathroom and kitchen, they were also discovered on objects that are frequently handled by younger family members, including computer keyboards, toys, remote controls, and toothbrush holders.
Given that regular sweeping and vacuuming can only remove initial dust particles, it is possible that the existence of these organisms is the cause of your child’s continued sneezing and excessive scratching, despite your efforts to “clean” your home.
What is the method to eliminate these microorganisms?
The key factor is the extent of your cleaning practices. If your cleaning routine is limited to removing surface dust and visible particles, your results will also be limited. Therefore, it is important to understand the different levels of cleaning and when they are needed. Some commonly confused levels include sanitization and disinfection.
What is sanitising?
Sanitising is the process of making something clean and free from harmful substances. It involves removing any contaminants or germs that could cause harm to humans or animals. Sanitising is an essential step in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases. It can be done through various methods such as using chemical cleaners, hot water, or steam. Overall, sanitising is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
The process of sanitising involves more than just basic cleaning, as it aims to decrease the amount of germs on surfaces to meet the standards of public health. Instead of simply removing dirt, it uses mild chemicals to decrease the presence of germs on surfaces without necessarily killing them.
This method of cleansing is most suitable for surfaces that require maintenance of low levels of bacteria while also being free from harsh chemicals.
Various measures can be taken to avoid the transmission of foodborne diseases and ensure the safety of children’s toys. These measures may include designated spaces for food preparation, storage of utensils, and proper maintenance of toys for use by children.
To effectively remove germs from surfaces and avoid concerns about harsh chemicals, it is important to also consider disinfection as part of your cleaning routine.
Routine cleaning involves the regular removal of dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces. It is the foundation of any cleaning regimen and helps maintain cleanliness in our daily lives. Routine cleaning tasks include sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming. While routine cleaning is essential, it may not be sufficient to eliminate harmful microorganisms.
What is disinfecting?
Sanitization reduces the quantity of germs, while disinfection eradicates microorganisms entirely from surfaces. Disinfection can be accomplished through the use of strong substances such as muriatic acid and concentrated bleach, or through the use of items that hinder the germs’ capability to reproduce, such as ultraviolet disinfection devices commonly used in medical facilities.
Disinfecting is widely recognized as the most effective cleaning technique for combating the transmission of infections. Nevertheless, the range of microorganisms that can be eradicated by particular disinfectants is restricted.
In the case of disinfectants, their effectiveness varies when it comes to newly identified and researched viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of virucidal disinfectants with 0.05% sodium hypochlorite or at least 70% concentration of ethanol-based products for households that have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to select disinfectants based on their effectiveness and compatibility.
Conclusion
To sum up, the extent of our cleaning methods is determined by the intended use and the safe thresholds for both contamination and chemical potency.
Given these factors, it is crucial to question ourselves, “Do I simply need to clean, sanitize, or disinfect?” every time we are tasked with cleaning our belongings, homes, or public spaces. And in situations where the decision becomes overwhelming, trusted cleaning providers like Cleanrific can assist in making the right choice.
Maintaining a clean and healthy environment requires a comprehensive cleaning plan that includes routine cleaning, sanitisation, and disinfection. By understanding the differences between these levels of cleaning and knowing when to use each method, you can effectively prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the health and safety of yourself, your loved ones, or your customers.
Routine cleaning forms the foundation of cleanliness and should be incorporated into your daily or weekly schedule. Sanitisation helps reduce the number of germs and bacteria to a safe level, while disinfection eliminates or inactivates all microorganisms, making it crucial in high-risk environments. Choosing the right cleaning method based on the level of risk, surface type, and available resources will ensure effective cleaning.
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