We find germs everywhere, from our kitchen counters to our bathroom sinks. Before 2020, we weren’t as aware of how easily viruses can be transmitted through the air or by touching surfaces. Now, we’ll never forget it. It’s hard not to be worried about how germs can travel from our hands to inside our homes. We’ve had to become very mindful about the surfaces we touch in public spaces like grocery stores or the doctor’s office.
To understand what disinfecting means, it’s important to distinguish what it’s not. Two other terms that have been popular this year are cleaning and sanitizing, which are not the same as disinfecting. Let’s clear up what each process involves so that you fully understand the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Cleaning
When the seasons change, many of us engage in spring cleaning. We use brooms to sweep the floors and soapy washcloths to tidy up countertops or tables. This is a surface-level way of removing dirt; it will not necessarily kill germs, but it will reduce the number of them. Cleaning is best when you want to freshen up a space by removing dust and leaving a pleasant scent behind. If a room is being cleaned due to a COVID-19 exposure, cleaning will not suffice when it comes to guaranteeing safety. For that, you’ll need to disinfect it.
Sanitizing
In public places that prepare food, sanitization is key. There are regulations in restaurants that specify how cooking utensils and surfaces need to be sanitized for the safety of all patrons. Dishes, for example, need to be sanitized before they can be used for another customer. This involves using a special chemical soap with water that is heated to a specific temperature. Sanitizing is effective at killing bacteria and it’s necessary in public places. But it does not eliminate viruses; for that, you will need a disinfectant.
Disinfecting
Why has this term become so popular this year? It’s because disinfecting is the only way to eliminate the COVID-19 virus from surfaces. Disinfecting services are common in hospitals; they’re used to prevent one patient’s infection from spreading to another person. In surgery rooms, disinfectants are needed to completely eliminate bacteria and viruses from any tools that are used. Examples of disinfectants include alcohol, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide.
Disinfecting is not as simple as spraying a product and then walking away. It must be performed according to the product’s instructions. The disinfectant needs time to kill the virus and must be applied for a specified length to do so. If you are using a disinfectant, be sure to follow the instructions. Alternatively, schedule a disinfecting cleaning service to come in; a professional will know the best way to rid your home and/or public space of viruses and bacteria.
A surface that is clean or even sanitized is not necessarily disinfected, and the only way to kill viruses is by using a disinfectant. Are you searching for disinfecting services in Winnipeg? Anago is your solution. We offer our disinfecting services for a wide range of facilities. Our cleaners are committed to keeping public places and private residences safe for everyone. Contact us today to schedule a disinfecting service.