Ever wondered how clean your workspace really is? The average desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat—an eye-opening fact from the University of Arizona. With COVID-19 still a concern across the U.S., understanding the three levels of cleaning—cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting—is more important than ever.
Let’s break down these three tiers of cleaning and explain why regular disinfection should be part of your cleaning routine. A solid cleaning strategy isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about protecting everyone’s health.
Tier 1: Cleaning
Cleaning is the foundation of any good janitorial service. It involves removing visible dirt, debris, and some germs from surfaces. While cleaning doesn’t eliminate all germs, it significantly reduces their numbers, making it an essential first step in maintaining a hygienic environment. The CDC notes that regular cleaning with soap and water reduces germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces.
Key points about cleaning:
- Removes visible dirt and some germs
- Uses soap/detergent and water
- Prepares surfaces for sanitizing or disinfecting
Tier 2: Sanitizing
Sanitizing goes beyond cleaning by reducing the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level, as determined by public health standards. This step is especially important in areas where food is prepared or consumed. The FDA requires food-contact surfaces to be sanitized, reducing bacteria by 99.999% within 30 seconds, which underscores the critical role of this tier in food-related environments. Incorporating sanitizing and disinfection into your routine after cleaning ensures that surfaces are not just visibly clean but also meet safety standards for germ reduction.
Key points about sanitizing:
- Reduces germs to a safe level
- Commonly used in food service areas
- May not be effective against all types of bacteria and viruses
Tier 3: Disinfecting
Disinfecting is the highest level of cleaning, aimed at killing nearly all germs on surfaces. This process is crucial in high-risk areas or during disease outbreaks, like the current COVID-19 pandemic. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on some surfaces for up to 72 hours, making regular disinfection in workplaces more important than ever. Effective disinfecting after cleaning and sanitizing ensures that your workspace is as safe as possible for everyone.
Key points about disinfecting:
- Kills most germs on surfaces
- Uses EPA-registered disinfectants
- Essential for high-touch areas and during disease outbreaks
The Importance of Recurring Disinfection
Disinfecting once isn’t enough. As soon as new germs are introduced to the environment, the effectiveness of that initial disinfection begins to fade. That’s why recurring disinfection services are essential.
Consider this: Your office has just been thoroughly disinfected. It feels safe and clean. But as employees return, visitors come and go, and deliveries are made, new germs continuously enter your space. Without regular disinfection, your workplace becomes vulnerable to the buildup of harmful pathogens.
By making recurring disinfection a part of your janitorial plan, you’re not just addressing the immediate concerns of COVID-19—you’re establishing a long-term strategy for a healthier workplace. Regular disinfection helps to:
- Maintain consistently low levels of germs
- Reduce the risk of disease outbreaks
- Provide peace of mind for employees and visitors
- Show your commitment to health and safety
Why Choose iNX for Your Disinfection Needs?
At iNX, we know the importance of all three tiers of cleaning. Our expert team uses state-of-the-art equipment and EPA-approved disinfectants to ensure your workspace stays as germ-free as possible.
Don’t wait for an outbreak to take action. Contact iNX at 1 (888) TEAM-iNX to learn more about how we can help keep your workplace safe and healthy. Remember, when it comes to cleaning, consistency is key—and with iNX, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, day in and day out.
