Cleaning & Disinfection: Are They the Same?

written by Valencia Pro Cleaning Agency - May 20, 2020

Is cleaning the same as disinfecting?

As a homeowner, you probably want your home to be perfectly clean, healthy, and fresh, especially in the present circumstances. While this is a common goal for most of us, it seems that some homeowners aren’t aware of the difference between disinfecting and cleaning a surface.

Cleaning and disinfection are two different animals, and the distinction between the two is extremely important if you wish to rid your home of germs and protect yourself and your family. Luckily, the leading experts for house cleaning service in Angwin would be happy to clear up any confusion once and for all. Read on!

Is cleaning the same as disinfecting?

While it is completely understandable to think that cleaning and disinfection are not that different since we use both techniques to keep our homes clean and healthy, the two are far from being one and the same. Understanding the difference between the two is more important now than it has ever been, with the new coronavirus trying to find a way into our homes.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Both cleaning and disinfecting have an essential role to play in maintaining a clean, germ-free home. Here’s how they differ:

Cleaning

Cleaning is typically performed using water and soap or detergent to remove physical traces of grime and dirt from a surface. While cleaning may remove some of the microbes from a surface, it is not meant to kill or deactivate the germs entirely, but only to make the surface look clean. That’s where disinfection comes into play.

Disinfection

Unlike cleaning, disinfection can kill or render 99% of germs incapable of reproduction and spreading from the surface but may not remove visible dirt entirely. Because of the different but equally important purposes of cleaning and disinfection, you should first clean and then disinfect surfaces in your home to keep the dangerous microbes at bay. Cleaning will remove most of the germs from the surface, and disinfection will kill any that may have remained.

How often should you disinfect your house?

How often you clean and disinfect your home will depend on several factors, including the area you wish to treat, the number of household members, as well as some special circumstances which would seem to apply right now. In the current situation, it is recommended that you clean and disinfect surfaces in your home daily to combat the spread of COVID-19.

While you should make an effort to clean and disinfect the entire house as often as possible, there are some surfaces that will require daily attention. These include areas that are shared and, in turn, frequently touched by all household members, such as:

  • Door handles and doorknobs
  • Appliance and cabinet handles
  • Remote controls
  • Light switches
  • Kitchen countertops
  • Sinks and faucets
  • Light fixtures
  • Coffee tables
  • Toilets
  • Phones and computers

The best way to keep yourself and your family safe from viruses is to follow the latest guidelines from the CDC when cleaning and disinfecting your home. Hiring professionals on top of that will further minimize the possibility of contamination.

Stay safe with the help of #1 house cleaning service in Angwin

How often should you disinfect your house

While it may not be advisable to have a picnic at Lake Berryessa just yet, you probably don’t want to spend all of your free time cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around the house. We understand how overwhelming household chores can be, especially now that we need to put in some extra effort into keeping our homes safe.

Fortunately, you are not alone in this fight. Valencia Pro Cleaning Agency is here to help you eliminate germs in your home by matching you with trustworthy and experienced cleaners in the area. You can count on these hygiene experts to use only the best equipment to effectively disinfect and sanitize your floors and other surfaces in your home. If you need a helping hand in these challenging times, reach out to Valencia Pro Cleaning Agency today!