The terms ‘cleaning’ and ‘disinfecting’ are often confused in everyday conversation, but when it comes to hygiene, there is a clear and present difference! It’s also one that should never be overlooked, especially in certain sectors like healthcare, where the highest possible hygiene standards must be met. Understanding the difference, or distinction, is pivotal in maintaining a safe and healthy environment, protecting staff and customers, plus meeting health and safety standards.
At Brightr, we know the key differences between cleaning and disinfecting, when each should be used, and why the combination of both can be an essential part of our client’s cleaning schedules.
Cleaning
Cleaning refers to the process of removing dirt, dust and debris from surfaces, and typically involves using a cleaning product (soap or detergent) and water to physically remove the particles from the surface concerned.
- Purpose – to remove grime, grease, and dirt.
- Method – it will usually involve wiping, scrubbing, or mopping with cleaning products, water and cloths (or a mop for floors)
- Effectiveness – it can wipe away and reduce the number of germs but won’t necessarily kill them.
- Result – surfaces look clean and feel clean to the touch.
You could say that cleaning is the first step in a two-step hygiene effort. By removing dust and dirt in step one, cleaning can reduce the number of germs and bacteria present, which then allows for disinfection to work more effectively in step two.
Disinfecting
Disinfecting refers to the process of killing bacteria, germs, viruses, and other microorganisms on surfaces using chemical products. Disinfectants are not known for cleaning dirty surfaces but are specifically used to eliminate pathogens and reduce the risk of the spread of infection.
- Purpose – to destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Method – it uses EPA-approved or EN-standard disinfectants, applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Effectiveness – kills a high proportion of germs (typically 99.9% or more)
- Result – reduced risk of the spread of infection and illness.
It’s important to remember that disinfecting works better on clean surfaces. Dirt can shield pathogens and reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants, which is why cleaning is necessary first.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Cleaning | Disinfecting |
| Removes dirt and debris | Yes | No |
| Kills bacteria/viruses | No | Yes |
| Uses soap/detergent | Yes | Sometimes |
| Uses chemical agents | Optional | Yes |
| Necessary for hygiene | Yes | Yes |
Why the Difference Matters
All businesses that operate in the UK must understand and adhere to health and safety regulations, and especially in sectors such as hospitality (food services), education, and healthcare. Cleaning surfaces may not be enough to meet these standards, so disinfection is often needed to eliminate harmful bacteria.
The Covid-19 pandemic was a learning curve for us all. It highlighted the crucial importance of surface hygiene. Viruses and bacteria can survive on surfaces for many hours or sometimes days. While cleaning reduces the number of microbes, only disinfection can reliably kill them. Illnesses like norovirus, flu, and Covid can be kept at bay.
Some environments like GP and dental surgeries, or food preparation businesses are legally required to implement strict cleaning and disinfection protocols. Failure to comply can lead to fines or even business closure.
However, office spaces and other lower risk environments are not governed by such stringent safety standards, so routine cleaning may be sufficient for daily maintenance, with periodic disinfection used to either combat or prevent the spread of illness.
The Role of Cleaning Contractors
Professional cleaning contractors like us here at Brightr, understand the difference and distinction between cleaning and disinfecting, and integrate both into our service offerings. We follow approved guidelines and use tested and regulated products for the maximum effect.
A reputable cleaning contactor will:
- Perform both cleaning and disinfecting in the two-step order.
- Use correct dilution and contact times for disinfectants.
- Know which surfaces need routine disinfection (for example high contact points like light switches, door handles etc).
- Maintain detailed logs and schedules.
This level of expertise makes your workplace not only visibly clean, but hygienically clean for staff, visitors, clients, and customers.
Common Misconceptions
There are a number of misconceptions where cleaning and disinfecting are concerned:
“If it looks clean, it’s safe” – A surface may look spotless, but still harbour invisible germs and pathogens. This is why disinfection is needed even after a thorough cleaning.
“Disinfection can replace cleaning” – Disinfection works best after a thorough cleaning. Applying disinfectant to a dirty surface may not kill germs effectively, as dirt and grease can block the chemical’s access to germs.
“All cleaning products disinfect” – Not all cleaning products are disinfectants. Only those with specific ingredients and approvals can claim to kill germs. Always make sure to read product labels carefully.
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Knowing the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is about ensuring your environment is genuinely safe, not just visibly clean. Cleaning removes dirt, disinfection kills germs; together they form the cornerstone of sound hygiene, which protects health, adheres to legal compliance, and promotes workplace wellbeing.
At Brightr, we tailor our services to include comprehensive cleaning and disinfections based on your business’s needs. Whatever sector you’re in, we’ll ensure every surface is not just clean, but hygienically clean. Contact us here.