Cleaning vs. Sanitizing
Cleaning and sanitizing are two important processes that are often used interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between the two that is important to understand in order to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Cleaning is the process of removing visible dirt, dust, debris, and other contaminants from a surface. This is typically done using soap, water, and other cleaning agents. Cleaning helps to remove the visible dirt and grime that can accumulate on surfaces over time, making them look clean and presentable.
Sanitizing, on the other hand, is the process of reducing the number of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms on a surface. This is typically done using chemicals such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Sanitizing helps to kill the germs that can cause illness and disease, and is particularly important in environments such as hospitals and food preparation areas.
While cleaning and sanitizing are both important, it is important to understand that they are not interchangeable. Simply cleaning a surface does not necessarily kill the bacteria and viruses that can cause illness, and simply sanitizing a surface does not necessarily remove the visible dirt and grime that can accumulate over time.
To properly clean and sanitize a surface, it is important to first clean the surface to remove any visible dirt and grime, and then follow up with a sanitizing solution to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses. This two-step process is particularly important in environments where cleanliness and hygiene are critical, such as hospitals, schools, and food preparation areas.
In conclusion, cleaning and sanitizing are two important processes that are essential to maintaining a clean and safe environment. While they are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand that they are two distinct processes with different goals. By understanding the difference between cleaning and sanitizing, you can help to ensure that your environment is clean, safe, and free from harmful bacteria and viruses.
