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What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing?

Often times when it comes to the words clean, sanitize and disinfect they are used interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between these terms and knowing what they mean can help keep your home or workplace a clean and safe environment.

Cleaning physically removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces or objects. It involves using soap or detergent and water along with a mechanical action such as wiping to remove germs from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. In order to kill germs properly, chemicals need to be applied according to the label as each product is different. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. In order for a product to be considered a sanitizer, it must reduce bacteria on a surface by at least 99.9 percent. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

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What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of mold exist, but estimates range from tens of thousands to even three hundred thousand, or more. Mold spreads and reproduces by creating spores. Spores can survive conditions that are too sunny, hot, cold, dry or wet for mold to grow. When spores are released they can be carried by air or water to new locations and cause new mold growth.

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Can we remove mold ourselves or should I call a professional?

Mold can be a serious issue. A small patch of mold on a wall often can be removed without professional help, but if mold issues persist after you’ve cleaned and performed prevention tactics, it’s time to call in the experts. For larger mold issues and toxic black mold removal, leave it to the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore for safe and effective mold removal and clean up. Our technicians are professionally trained in comprehensive mold remediation and employ the safest, most effective techniques for solving any mold issue. Our teams regularly handle small (ten square feet or less) areas affected by mold as well as larger spaces, both commercial and residential.

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