What Is the Difference Between Cleaning and Sanitising?

In today’s world, maintaining a clean and safe environment is more important than ever. However, many people confuse the terms “cleaning” and “sanitising,” often using them interchangeably without understanding their distinct purposes and benefits. At B&K Services, we believe that knowing the difference between these processes can help businesses better protect their employees, clients, and customers from harmful microorganisms. With over three decades of experience in commercial cleaning, we’re here to guide you through understanding how these processes work and why they’re essential for the health and well-being of your workplace.

What Is Cleaning?

Cleaning is the process of removing visible dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces and objects. This process involves using water, detergents, or cleaning agents to physically remove contaminants. Cleaning is the first step in maintaining a tidy environment and is essential for preventing the accumulation of grime and soil in commercial spaces.

Cleaning Methods

In commercial settings, effective cleaning methods are essential to maintain a hygienic and professional environment. Various methods are employed depending on the surface type and the nature of the contaminants present.

• Dry Cleaning: Involves using vacuums, dusters, or dry cloths to remove loose dirt and dust from surfaces. This method is commonly used in office settings to clean carpets, floors, and furniture without using water, thereby preventing moisture-related damage.
• Wet Cleaning: Uses water mixed with cleaning agents such as detergents or soaps to dissolve and remove dirt, grease, and grime. This method is ideal for surfaces that can withstand moisture, such as tiles, countertops, and glass. In commercial kitchens, wet cleaning ensures that food preparation areas are free from grease and food residues.
• Abrasive Cleaning: Employs scrubbing pads or brushes to tackle tough stains and grime on hard surfaces like tiles and industrial equipment. This method is often necessary in warehouses or manufacturing facilities where stubborn residues accumulate.
• Steam Cleaning: High-temperature steam penetrates surface pores, effectively loosening dirt and killing some bacteria without chemicals. This method is particularly beneficial in settings where chemical sensitivity is a concern, such as hospitals and daycare centres, as it offers a deep clean without leaving chemical residues.

Cleaning Frequency

The frequency of cleaning in commercial spaces depends on several factors, including foot traffic, the nature of the business, and specific industry regulations:

1. In high-traffic areas like lobbies, restrooms, and kitchens, daily cleaning is imperative to ensure surfaces remain free from visible dirt and debris. This routine maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of grime and maintains a professional appearance for clients and employees alike.
2. Weekly cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming carpets in office areas and dusting fixtures, help keep spaces looking fresh and prevent allergens from building up.
3. Monthly cleaning includes more in-depth tasks such as cleaning windows, dusting high surfaces like ceiling fans, and deep-cleaning furniture. These tasks ensure that even the less accessible areas are kept clean and sanitary, contributing to a comprehensive cleaning strategy.

Benefits of Cleaning

• Improved Air Quality: Regular cleaning reduces dust and allergens in the air, leading to better respiratory health. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems and decreased productivity, making regular cleaning an important factor in promoting a healthy workplace.
• Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: A well-cleaned environment enhances a space’s aesthetic appeal, creating a positive impression on clients and customers. A tidy office or retail space signals professionalism and attention to detail, which can influence customer perceptions and business reputation.
• Prolonged Life of Surfaces: Moreover, routine cleaning extends the longevity of surfaces and furnishings by preventing the buildup of dirt and grime that can cause wear and tear over time. By investing in regular cleaning, businesses can avoid costly repairs and replacements, ensuring that their facilities remain in optimal condition.

Limitations

While cleaning is essential for maintaining a tidy appearance, it has its limitations:

• Does Not Kill Germs: Primarily, cleaning focuses on removing visible dirt and debris, but it does not effectively kill germs or bacteria. This limitation means that while surfaces may appear clean, they can still harbour harmful microorganisms that pose a health risk.
• Requires Regular Effort: Furthermore, cleaning requires regular effort and commitment to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Without consistent cleaning schedules, dirt and grime can quickly accumulate, leading to a deterioration of the environment’s appearance and hygiene.
• Surface Level Only: Additionally, cleaning addresses primarily surface-level contaminants and may not reach deeper layers where bacteria and germs can thrive. In environments where hygiene is a critical concern, additional measures such as sanitising or disinfecting are necessary to ensure safety and health standards are met.

What Is Sanitising?

Sanitising is the process of reducing the number of harmful microorganisms on surfaces to a safe level as determined by public health standards. It is an essential step in environments where hygiene is critical, such as offices, healthcare facilities, and food service areas. Unlike cleaning, sanitising specifically targets bacteria and viruses to prevent the spread of infection.

Sanitising Methods

• Chemical sanitisers are commonly used in commercial settings due to their efficacy in killing bacteria and viruses. These include bleach solutions, alcohol-based sanitisers, and quaternary ammonium compounds. They are often applied to surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and other high-touch areas to reduce the presence of harmful microorganisms. It is important to follow manufacturer guidelines for proper dilution and contact time to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Heat sanitation utilises high temperatures to kill bacteria and viruses, often through the use of hot water or steam. This method is commonly employed in dishwashers and laundry machines in commercial kitchens and hotels, where it is essential to sanitise utensils, linens, and other items.
• UV light is another method used to sanitise surfaces, particularly in healthcare facilities. Ultraviolet light effectively kills bacteria and viruses by disrupting their DNA, making it a valuable tool in environments where hygiene is critical. UV light is often used to sanitise medical equipment, air handling systems, and other sensitive areas.

Sanitising Frequency

The frequency of sanitising in commercial settings depends on the level of risk associated with the environment and the potential for contamination.

• In high-touch areas such as elevator buttons, light switches, and door handles, daily sanitising is necessary to minimise the spread of germs and protect the health of employees and visitors.
• Food contact surfaces in restaurants and commercial kitchens should be sanitised after each use to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. Ensuring that utensils, cutting boards, and prep surfaces are regularly sanitised is critical to maintaining food safety standards.
• In healthcare environments, sanitisation is an ongoing process, with surfaces, equipment, and patient areas requiring constant attention to prevent the spread of infections. Regular sanitising is vital in these settings to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

Pros and Cons of Sanitising

One of the primary benefits of sanitising is its ability to effectively reduce harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, to safe levels. This reduction is crucial in environments where the risk of infection is high, such as healthcare facilities, food service establishments, and schools.

Sanitising also plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases by targeting germs on surfaces that people frequently touch. This proactive measure helps protect the health of employees and customers, reducing the risk of illness outbreaks.

However, there are also some challenges associated with sanitising:

• Sanitising does not remove visible dirt or grime, which means that surfaces may still require cleaning before sanitisation can be effective.
• Some chemical sanitisers can be harsh on surfaces, potentially causing damage or discolouration over time if not used correctly.
• Sanitising requires strict adherence to protocols and guidelines to ensure that the process is effective. Proper application, contact time, and concentration of sanitisers are essential to achieve the desired results. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in incomplete sanitisation and leave surfaces vulnerable to contamination.

What Is the Difference Between Clean and Sanitised?

The terms “clean” and “sanitised” often cause confusion, yet they serve distinct purposes in maintaining a hygienic environment. Cleaning primarily involves the physical removal of dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces, using methods such as wiping, vacuuming, or mopping. It focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space and preventing the buildup of visible contaminants.

Sanitising, on the other hand, targets harmful microorganisms that are not visible to the naked eye. It involves using chemical or heat-based methods to kill bacteria and viruses, reducing their presence to safe levels as determined by public health standards. The goal of sanitising is to protect health by preventing the spread of infections and ensuring that environments meet hygiene requirements.

The primary difference between “clean” and “sanitised” lies in the end goal: cleaning aims to create a tidy appearance, while sanitising focuses on eliminating health hazards. By understanding these distinctions, businesses can implement comprehensive strategies that address both the aesthetic and hygienic needs of their environments.

When to Clean vs. When to Sanitise

Knowing when to clean and when to sanitise is essential for maintaining a healthy commercial environment. Cleaning should be part of a regular maintenance routine to ensure that spaces remain tidy and free from visible dirt. It is especially important in areas with high foot traffic, such as reception areas and conference rooms, where first impressions matter.

Sanitising is necessary when there is a need to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in environments where bacteria and viruses are a concern. This need is heightened during flu season, in healthcare settings, or when handling food in commercial kitchens. High-touch surfaces like elevator buttons, door handles, and shared equipment should be sanitised frequently to minimise the spread of germs.

Incorporating both cleaning and sanitising into your facility’s maintenance routine ensures a comprehensive approach to hygiene. While cleaning addresses surface-level dirt, sanitising tackles the invisible threats that can impact health. By prioritising both processes, businesses can create safe and welcoming environments for employees and customers alike.

Keep Your Business Safe with B&K Services

At B&K Services, we understand that both cleaning and sanitising are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment in your business. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-notch cleaning and sanitising services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a business owner looking to protect your employees and customers, we have the expertise and resources to help you achieve a clean and sanitised space.

Get in touch with B&K Services today to learn more about how our professional cleaning and sanitising solutions can benefit your business. Let us help you create an environment that is not only clean but also safe and healthy!