The terms “clean,” “sanitize” and “disinfect” are often used interchangeably by customers in our line of work, but there are not the same. The nuances matter and can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of a facilities management program as well as your everyday efforts to maintain a safe work environment. 
Cleaning simply involves removing visible dirt and dust. That’s why professional cleaners often give this treatment to floors and windows, because the risk of the harboring bacteria and viruses is low. They tend to give priority to other ares when it comes to sanitizing or disinfecting.
It should be mentioned that cleaning alone will always be a boon to the health of indoor occupants because these disease-causing bugs are removed from the surfaces of the indoor environment. What some don’t consider, however, is the risk of cross-contamination. For instance, the mopping solution and the cleaning tools could be spreading disease if the correct industrial-grade product is not used. (That’s why it’s important to hire a reputable company so you can rest assured the cleaning crew is getting the job done correctly.)
Sanitization goes a level deeper by reducing the number of bugs that could get you sick. It’s not a scorched earth approach because it doesn’t necessarily kill viruses or fungus — it’s only effective in limiting the number of bacteria present. Sanitizing should only be applied to food contact surfaces, which is required as part of the health code.
Disinfecting is the most thorough method, and is used to kill bugs on frequently-touched surfaces and surfaces, such as door knobs, sinks, countertops, etc. However, employees may become overly confident due to the fact that there are many wipes on the consumer market that make the claim of having disinfecting properties. It’s important to exercise caution, as this is an evolving topic.
The verdict is still out on the efficacy of these wipes in certain contexts. The EPA is taking a closer look at these products and has classified them on their website. Among other things, they are exploring how much surface area can be covered with the wipe before it is used up. In the meantime, using these wipes in tandem with a thorough commercial cleaning program is the best option to stop the spread of disease at the workplace.
Bottom line? You can never be too careful during this ongoing pandemic. Give us a call and inquire about the MicroShield 360 antimicrobial germ protection system we use to protect surfaces from bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus and more for one year with just a single application. Our system means peace of mind, and that’s exactly what you can expect from our network of professionals. Give us a call today: (801) 994-6924
