It is important to understand the differences between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitising in order to maintain a healthy and clean environment for your business. The three levels of cleaning are used to remove dirt, reduce germs and prevent the spread of disease. You will need to clean your office, warehouse or medical facility depending on what type of business you run and who you serve.
There are three levels of cleaning:
- Cleaning In the first stage of cleaning, you will remove visible dirt, dust and debris. This first step is often called cleaning and involves physically removing the tangible elements which accumulate on surfaces. Cleaning techniques include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and mopping. Cleaning improves the appearance of an area by removing visible contaminants. It also creates a pleasant and welcoming environment. This helps to maintain cleanliness standards by removing loose particles which can cause respiratory discomfort or allergies. The first cleaning tier focuses on surface dirt. It lays the foundation for the subsequent tiers that sanitise and disinfect to promote a healthier and more hygienic environment.
- Sanitising The second level of cleaning is sanitising. It aims to reduce the amount of bacteria on surfaces. Sanitising targets microorganisms, which may not be visible to the naked eye. Sanitising involves the use of sanitising products, such as wipes or sprays that inhibit bacterial growth. Sanitising surfaces is important for areas that require a high level of hygiene, like kitchens, bathrooms and shared areas. Sanitising surfaces like doorknobs and light switches can reduce the risk of illness transmission and cross-contamination. Sanitising surfaces does not necessarily remove all germs but it is vital to maintaining a healthier and cleaner environment for the occupants. For Industrial Cleaning Services Gloucestershire, contact Into Cleaning who supply Industrial Cleaning Services Gloucestershire.
- Disinfecting The highest level of cleaning is disinfecting. It is designed to kill or inactivate a variety of germs including viruses and bacteria. Disinfectants are used, either as wipes or sprays, to kill pathogens. In high-risk zones or during outbreaks, disinfecting is essential to stop the spread of infectious disease. To maintain a safe, hygienic, and clean environment, surfaces that are frequently touched by many people, like doorknobs and handrails and shared equipment should be disinfected regularly. Implementing the third level of cleaning will reduce the risk for infection and improve the safety and health of your occupants.
Understanding these three tiers, and implementing them correctly, will help you maintain a clean environment and protect the health of your employees.
