In the realm of sanitation, understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is vital for creating a commercial cleaning schedule. While both are very similar, there are key distinctions that UMG Cleaning can help you understand to better care for your facility.
Read all about how commercial disinfection and cleaning play essential roles in building management and let us show you why both are equally important!
Cleaning typically refers to removing dirt, dust, and debris from different rooms. It involves using soap, detergents, and water to eliminate visible contaminants. Commercial disinfecting, on the other hand, goes a step further by using chemical agents to kill germs and pathogens, significantly reducing the risk of illness. Both processes are necessary; cleaning prepares surfaces for effective disinfecting.
Our commercial cleaning company typically uses standard tools such as mops, cloths, and vacuum cleaners to remove soil and grime. However, disinfecting involves applying EPA-approved disinfectants using sprays, wipes, or immersion methods, targeting bacteria and viruses. To achieve optimal results, it’s crucial to clean first and then disinfect, ensuring that disinfectants can work effectively on clean surfaces.
Cleaning can be done daily or as needed, based on the level of foot traffic and activity within your facility. Disinfecting should be done regularly, especially in high-touch areas, during flu season, or when illness is reported among employees. Establishing a routine for both activities helps maintain a healthy environment.
Sanitizing serves as the middle ground between cleaning and disinfecting, bridging the gap by reducing the number of germs on surfaces to safer levels as determined by public health standards. While cleaning removes dirt and grime and disinfecting kills nearly all bacteria and viruses, sanitizing focuses on lowering germ counts to minimize the risk of spreading infection. This method is especially useful in low-risk areas like desks, breakrooms, and shared equipment where full disinfection may not be needed daily but some germ control is still important.
Both cleaning and disinfecting are essential for preventing the spread of illness. Consistent surface disinfection in shared environments significantly reduces the transmission of illnesses, especially during cold and flu season. Keyboards, phones, and door handles can harbor viruses like influenza and norovirus for hours or even days without proper cleaning. A regular commercial cleaning schedule removes allergens and dirt that can cause respiratory issues, while disinfecting is critical for eliminating harmful germs.
UMG Cleaning can provide essential commercial office cleaning, as well as other disinfecting for retail spaces, educational facilities, dorms, and more. Let us help you tackle both areas of facility management!