Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Table of Contents
Maintaining a clean and healthy home environment is important. When it comes to house cleaning, many people use the terms “cleaning” and “disinfecting” interchangeably. However, there is a significant distinction between the two. Understanding the difference is crucial to keep your home tidy and hygienic. Let’s explore what cleaning and disinfecting actually means, and why they’re both important for your household.
Cleaning: The Foundation of a Tidy Home
Cleaning involves the removal of visible dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces. It is the fundamental step in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in your home. Regular cleaning routines include dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. These tasks help eliminate allergens, improve indoor air quality, and keep your living space aesthetically appealing. While cleaning is an essential aspect of housekeeping, it does not always eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.
Disinfecting: The Key to Killing Germs and Pathogens
Disinfecting, on the other hand, focuses on eliminating or killing germs, viruses, and pathogens that may pose health risks. Unlike cleaning, which primarily targets visible dirt, disinfecting aims to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Disinfection involves using specific chemicals that are designed to kill a wide range of microorganisms. High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures are areas that require frequent disinfection.
It’s easy to make a homemade disinfectant spray- simply add a 2:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol and water to a spray bottle. Then, add 10-15 drops of lemon oil or peppermint oil to give your disinfectant a pleasant scent, and now you have a powerful disinfectant that can be made for a fraction of the cost of commercial-grade disinfectants.
The Importance of Disinfection
If you are busy with social interactions, travel, and exposure to various environments, then you elevate the risk of bringing germs and pathogens into your home. Disinfection plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of illness transmission within your household, safeguarding the health of your family and loved ones. It’s easy to forget about disinfecting after cleaning. If you keep getting sick, make disinfecting apart of your cleaning routine to stay healthier.
Here are some frequently touched items that should be disinfected 1-2x per week:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Faucet and appliance handles
- Phones
- Reusable water bottles
- Remote controls
Combining Cleaning and Disinfecting for Optimal Results
While cleaning and disinfecting are distinct processes, they are complementary and work best when performed together. A two-step approach involves cleaning surfaces first to remove visible dirt. Then follow it up by applying disinfectants to kill any remaining germs. By incorporating both cleaning and disinfection into your regular housekeeping routine, you’ll keep your home tidy and germ-free.
Professional Cleaning Services: The Ideal Solution
Given the demands of everyday life, it can be challenging to devote enough time and effort to thorough cleaning and disinfection. Hiring a professional house cleaning service tailored to your needs can offer the ideal solution. Professional cleaners have the expertise, experience, and appropriate equipment to perform thorough cleaning and disinfection tasks efficiently. They can help ensure that your home remains a safe and healthy haven for you and your family.
Understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is essential. Combining both cleaning and disinfecting is a great way to minimize risk of transmission of viruses and diseases. By prioritizing cleanliness and hygiene, you can create a welcoming home environment that promotes the well-being of your loved ones and house guests.
Share:
Check out our recent blog posts:
