Having clean living and working spaces is the most important factor in keeping everyone happy and healthy. Regular cleaning keeps desks, floors and counters tidy, clear and free from visible dirt, spills and clutter. However it is important to know that cleanliness is what you see when you notice a cleaned desk or surface. These surfaces might have invisible bacteria, viruses and fungi that will not go away with typical cleaning. This is the basic difference between “sanitization” and “disinfection”. These terms are not synonymous, but have different objectives. Even the cleaning process is different. When you hire disinfection and sanitization services, you will know that they use different chemicals and different methods to clean your property.
Understanding Disinfection and Sanitization: Are They the Same?
Both processes – “sanitization” and “disinfection” eliminate dangerous microscopic organisms, but in different ways. Have a look at what they are:
Sanitization reduces the amount of germs to a safe and acceptable level in public health.
Disinfection involves the use of more potent disinfectant chemicals that directly destroy and kill the microscopic pathogens on non-porous surfaces.
To understand this better: Basic cleaning involves only the removal of loose dirt and dust by soap and water.
Sanitization reduces the number of germs present and disinfection kills the pathogens.
Disinfection methods use appropriate techniques to effectively keep the spaces free of bacteria and viruses.
Understanding Sanitization and When It Is Used
Sanitization is about fast and efficient removal of germs. The levels of bacteria will be reduced when sanitisation is done, but you can never say it is to a safer level. Sanitizing solutions work by killing bacteria within a relatively short contact time. This kind of cleaning is done using sanitizers that are formulated with less strident chemical bases. You can sanitize for the purpose of everyday maintenance where there is no imminent threat of heavy viral contamination – kitchen countertops, dining tables, food preparation surfaces, office keyboards and children’s toys. This is the length of time that a sanitizer must be visible on a surface to be effective. The contact time for sanitizing a space is often 30 seconds.
Understanding Disinfection and When It Is Necessary
The disinfection is a much more severe process. The cleaners use strong, but broad-spectrum safe chemicals that are effective against stubborn viruses, fungi and mold spores. Disinfection is often done in highly used common areas like hospital clinics, washrooms, shared gym equipment, daycare facilities and public transport hubs. The contact time for disinfecting a space is often 10 minutes. This is the length of time that a disinfectant solution must be visible on a surface to be effective.
Key Differences Between Disinfection and Sanitization
Knowing the difference between these two treatments can help you decide which one’s best for use in your space:
Sanitisation services are done by cleaning experts and they use less harsh chemical solutions to clean the serve. Used mostly in environments where there is lower bacterial count, and when there is no threat of an outbreak or contagious diseases.
Disinfection services are often enlisted during a seasonal flu outbreak, following a sickness in the home, and in medical and commercial facilities where a sterile environment is necessary. It is a more elaborate process where stronger antimicrobial solutions are used. These usually remain wet on a surface anywhere between 3 and 10 minutes to kill the microorganisms and harmful bacteria.
Which Commercial Facilities Need Both Services?
Certain commercial properties need both sanitization and disinfection services to ensure their premises are clear of all traces of bacteria and disease causing viruses.
- Restaurants and Cafes: Food prep counters and kitchens require frequent food grade sanitization. Door handles on restrooms, dining rooms and waste areas must be deeply disinfected daily.
- Offices and Corporate Buildings: Workstations and conference tables should be disinfected regularly. And so should central AC vents and elevators.
- Gyms and Fitness Centers: All the equipment used inside the gym require frequent sanitisation. Locker rooms, showers, and saunas require heavy-duty disinfection.
- Schools and Nurseries: Classrooms and toys need to be sanitized safely and bathrooms and common cafeteria tables should be disinfected.
How to Determine the Right Cleaning Approach for Your Business
Disinfection and sanitization service providers know which kind of cleaning would be most suitable for your building and for the level of usability. Here’s how they evaluate the surface:
- Analyze the amount of foot traffic in the area: If the area has a significant number of visitors then both disinfection and sanitization will have to be done on a regular basis.
- Know High Touch Areas: Door handles, payment terminals, light points and elevator buttons are areas that must be sanitized regularly.
- Follow Regulatory Standards: Food production and healthcare facilities have to adhere to strict health codes from the local municipality.
- If there has been a recent illness: If an employee or relative becomes sick with a contagious disease, plan for a deep disinfection immediately. This is important to prevent the spread of illness.
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Disinfection & Sanitization Services
Hiring professional disinfection & sanitization services will ensure that your space is clean both in the short-term and long-term. Professional teams use ULV cold foggers and electrostatic sprayers. These machines spray fine mists and can cover all spaces effectively. They will also know how to use strong chemicals so they destroy the tough pathogens without harmful toxic residue. And at the same time, without harming sensitive finishes.
Why Choose Envirox for Disinfection & Sanitization Services in Dubai?
Envirox is a trusted provider of disinfection and sanitization services in Dubai. We use safe disinfectants certified by the HEPA and are suitable for use on interior surfaces. We use advanced ULV fogging and misting systems to cover large open spaces and high-touch and high-risk areas. Our services are provided to all kinds of commercial and residential complexes. Our trained hygiene technicians work with strict safety measures so they have perfect coverage, sufficient dwell times and minimal downtime.
Conclusion
Sanitization is different from disinfection. One cannot replace the other and they both complement each other. Disinfection is most effective at removing bacteria from common surfaces ensuring it stays safe and protected for a longer period of time.