sanitize or Disinfect? Understanding the Key Differences for Protection

⁢ Updated May 29, 2025

During the⁤ COVID-19‍ pandemic, frequent ⁤hand washing or sanitizing and ⁢cleaning surfaces became essential practices.While the terms
⁤ ⁣ sanitize and disinfect⁢ are often used‍ interchangeably, they represent distinct processes with different applications.

The Centers ⁣for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines cleaning ‍as the removal ⁤of germs ⁣and impurities from surfaces.Sanitizing
reduces the number of germs to a safe level, while disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.

Dr. Diane‍ Calello, executive⁣ and medical director of New Jersey Poison Centre, notes that sanitizing doesn’t eliminate all germs. ‍The
⁢ environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines sanitizers as products that kill 99.9% of germs on⁢ hard surfaces. Disinfectants ⁢are
stronger,eliminating 99.999% of germs on non-porous surfaces.

The potency of the ⁤solution determines whether it sanitizes or disinfects. Diluted bleach, for example, may act as a sanitizer, while
⁤ concentrated bleach serves as a disinfectant, according to Calello.

When cleaning groceries,water alone is sufficient. For high-touch areas like doorknobs and toilet handles, disinfectants ⁤are
⁣ ⁣ ⁢recommended. However, for countertops used for food readiness, sanitizers⁤ are preferable to minimize chemical residue, experts say.

Disinfecting⁤ wipes should ⁣not be used on skin, warned Calello.⁤ She recounted cases where individuals experienced adverse effects,such
⁤as blistering rashes,from ⁣using ⁣industrial-strength disinfectants on their⁤ bodies.

Dr. Donald Ford, ⁣a family medicine doctor ⁢at Cleveland Clinic, advises against over-sanitizing hands,⁣ as it ‍can eliminate beneficial
bacteria. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are suitable for⁣ public use, but washing hands with soap and water remains the
preferred method.

The increased use⁢ of disinfectants and sanitizing products since the⁣ pandemic highlights the importance of ⁤understanding when to
sanitize⁢ and disinfect for proper hygiene.

What’s next

As understanding⁢ of effective hygiene⁣ practices evolves, continue to consult guidelines from reputable sources like the CDC and EPA to
ensure proper sanitation and disinfection methods are used in homes and public spaces.