Breaking Down The Differences Of Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing

9/6/2024 (Permalink)

For your next "Extreme Clean" project, call SERVPRO of Port Huron

School back in session means germ season is here, so we thought we'd talk about these terms that are often used interchangeably. Sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing are three different types of antimicrobials. According to the EPA, antimicrobials are products that "destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi on inanimate objects and subjects." Below we will address the differences of each term:

Sanitizing - commonly used in kitchens and food preparation areas, it is the weakest type of public health antimicrobial. It is the act of reducing bacteria on a surface.

Disinfectants - most commonly used in the medical industry and should not be used on surfaces that come in contact with food. They are much stronger and will kill and prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. Some, but not all, types of disinfectants can kill viruses like respiratory syncytial virus, HIV, and coronavirus varieties.

Sterilizers - training and certification are usually required to handle and use these products as they are the strongest of the antimicrobial category. In addition to killing live fungi and bacteria, they can also reduce the spores that create new microbes.

Hybrids - some products are combined sanitizer and disinfectant, which are useful when you not only need to disinfect an area, but also need to clean away material and residue that provide breeding grounds for new bacteria and viruses.

At SERVPRO®, we are lucky to have our own chemist on staff to develop professional-grade products such as SERVPROXIDE. It's designed to kill harmful viruses, bacteria, and mold on hard surfaces, and is also effective for sanitizing soft surfaces. It's formulated for everyday use because it meets the lowest toxicity rating approved by the EPA. It is safe to use around infants, children, pets (cats and dogs), and food preparation.

SERVPRO of Port Huron has the professional-grade products and training to get your cleaning project done right. Call today, 810-966-7900, we are Here to help®