If you own or manage a janitorial business, you'll likely need cleaning products for washing floors, countertops, and frequently touched surfaces. However, before placing an order for soaps and sanitizers, you might wonder about the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Here's what you should know about these cleaning methods and how to determine which janitorial supplies you'll need.

Cleaning

Cleaning is a more general term for removing dirt, dust, food debris, and pet dander from objects and surfaces throughout homes and businesses. This typically involves using cleaning products such as soap or detergent diluted with water to loosen up debris before wiping or scrubbing surfaces with a microfiber cloth, sponge, or brush. 

Though this may kill some germs, standard cleaning products often do not contain strong chemicals that can remove harmful microbes, such as parasites, bacteria, and viruses. However, this may still offer some protection against the transmission of illnesses and infections. 

Disinfecting

Disinfecting involves using powerful chemicals to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Common disinfectants typically include bleach, alcohol, or peroxide as active ingredients. These substances may eliminate the majority of germs on frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, elevator buttons, door handles, and light switches. Many of these products are EPA-registered, meaning they have been tested for their efficacy in removing these microbes and pathogens.

These cleaning products are often used in hospitals and medical facilities due to their strong ability to combat disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Using them to clean homes and businesses may slow or prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. 

Sanitizing

Similarly to disinfecting, sanitizing uses potent chemicals to kill bacteria. However, sanitizers usually do not kill viral particles. The EPA also registers sanitizing products, such as chlorine, ammonium, and iodine, which are among the most common chemicals used to clean facilities, such as hospitals, schools, and office spaces.

Sanitizing is a good option for killing germs and making the spread of illness less likely. However, keep in mind that it might not provide as thorough or deep a cleaning as disinfecting. Checking the ingredient labels on products before ordering them from a janitorial distributor can ensure you get the most effective and appropriate products for various cleaning tasks. 

The next time you need products for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, get in touch with South Central Kentucky Janitorial Suppliers. Located in Somerset, they provide janitorial supplies and professional cleaning equipment to customers throughout south-central Kentucky. Call (606) 678-0525 to place an order for cleaning products and set up free delivery services. Visit the website to learn more about their products for sanitizing and disinfecting.