The Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing

The difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing comes down to what each step removes. Cleaning removes dirt and debris, disinfecting kills germs using EPA-registered products, and sanitizing lowers germs to a safer level based on public health standards. For a healthy home in 2025, cleaning is always the first step—but disinfecting or sanitizing may be necessary depending on risk, surface type, and exposure.

Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing

These terms are often used interchangeably, but according to updated CDC and EPA guidance, they serve different purposes:

Cleaning: Removes dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces using soap or detergent and water.
Disinfecting: Uses chemicals to kill germs on surfaces after cleaning.
Sanitizing: Reduces germs to a level considered safe by public health standards.

a woman reading the labels on chemical cleaners — A homeowner must invest in quality cleaning supplies.

What Is Cleaning?

Cleaning is always the first and most important step.

What Cleaning Does

Removes visible dirt, dust, and organic matter
Reduces the number of germs on a surface
Improves the effectiveness of disinfectants and sanitizers

What Cleaning Does NOT Do

It does not reliably kill germs
It does not eliminate viruses or bacteria on its own

Cleaning should be done using soap or detergent and water, followed by rinsing when needed.

young woman about to clean her home — Do not mix cleaners, disinfectants, and other household products unless the labels say it’s safe to do so.

What Is Sanitizing?

Sanitizing reduces germs to a safe level, but does not eliminate all pathogens.

Common Sanitizing Uses

Food-contact surfaces
Children’s items and toys
Bathrooms and kitchens

Sanitizing can be done with chemicals, heat, or approved sanitizing solutions. It is often used when full disinfection is unnecessary but germ reduction is still important.

a woman washing a textile item — Cleaning does not necessarily kill or remove all bacteria from surfaces. It can, however, reduce the number of bacteria present and prevent them from spreading.

What Is Disinfecting?

Disinfecting goes a step further by killing germs on cleaned surfaces. Disinfectants must be EPA-registered and used exactly as directed to be effective.

When Disinfecting Is Necessary

After illness in the home
On high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, switches, keyboards)
In kitchens, bathrooms, and shared spaces

Important: Never mix disinfectants or cleaners unless the label explicitly states it is safe.

a biohazard cleaning technician in hazmat suit — Check with your supervisor for proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures at work.

Cleaning vs Disinfecting vs Sanitizing Comparison

Method	Removes Dirt	Kills Germs	When to Use
Cleaning	✅ Yes	❌ No	Everyday maintenance
Sanitizing	✅ Yes	⚠️ Reduces	Food prep & low-risk areas
Disinfecting	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Illness, high-risk surfaces

Are Disinfectant Wipes Effective?

what is the difference between cleaning and sanitizing — Non-porous surfaces are more likely to be effectively sanitized by disinfecting wipes.

Disinfectant wipes are effective when used correctly.

What They Work Best On

Non-porous surfaces (countertops, handles, phones)
Quick touch-ups between cleanings

Limitations of Disinfectant Wipes

Not effective on porous materials like carpet or upholstery
Require proper contact time to disinfect

Always wipe surfaces thoroughly and allow them to remain wet for the time listed on the label.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean and Healthy

Establish a regular cleaning schedule
Declutter to reduce dust-collecting surfaces
Use the right product for the right task
Store cleaning products safely and separately
Avoid over-disinfecting low-risk areas

FAQs: Difference Between Cleaning Disinfecting, and Sanitizing

What is the difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

Cleaning removes dirt and debris, while sanitizing reduces germs to a safer level. Cleaning is always required before sanitizing.

Is disinfecting better than sanitizing?

Not always. Disinfecting kills more germs, but sanitizing is often sufficient for food areas and everyday use.

Do I need to disinfect my home every day?

No. Routine cleaning is usually enough unless someone is sick or high-risk surfaces are involved.

Can cleaning remove viruses?

Cleaning can reduce viruses but does not reliably kill them. Disinfecting is required to kill viruses.

When Professional Cleaning and Disinfection Is Needed

After biohazard events, illness outbreaks, or contamination, household cleaning is often not enough. PuroClean provides professional cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and biohazard remediation using EPA-registered products and industry best practices.

Our teams are available 24/7 to help restore safe, healthy environments.

Call (800) 775-7876 or contact your local PuroClean office today.

Key Takeaways

Professional services are needed for biohazards
Cleaning removes dirt but doesn’t kill germs
Disinfecting kills germs using EPA-registered products
Sanitizing lowers germs to safe levels
Cleaning is always the first step
Disinfect only when risk justifies it
Labels and contact time matter

Understanding the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing

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