My spouse and I have very different interpretations of the word “clean.” When I set out to clean my laser focus goes to clutter on countertops, paper scraps my kids dropped on the floor, keys left on the entryway table, and random items set down in the wrong spot. I will grab the nearest wet rag to wipe the crumbs off the countertop but my efforts end there. When I say “clean,” what I really mean is “tidy.” My spouse, by contrast, couldn’t care less about the clutter. He is bothered by spaces that look (and in fact are) breeding grounds for germs. When he says “clean,” what he really means is “disinfect.” He will take the next step after my countertop wipe-down and actually open the cabinet to grab the disinfectant. (In reality, he’s the reason we have a hygienic home even while raising three small children.)
As you may already know if you’ve been here for a while, there’s a significant distinction between simply wiping a surface and effectively disinfecting it. While both actions do contribute to cleanliness, they serve different purposes in the pursuit of a germ-free space.
Wiping (which removes visible dirt, dust, or debris from a surface) is an essential first step in the process. It involves physically eliminating the visible elements on a surface through wiping with either warm water or a cleaning agent. This is only the first step, however. Think of it this way – any germs on that surface are now on the cleaning cloth and/or spread further across the surface. Wiping may even reduce the number of germs on a surface but it does not (this is so important) kill the germs.
Disinfecting takes the cleaning process a crucial next step. Applying a chemical disinfectant or running an e-sanitizing machine and allowing for the proper dwell time ensures that those invisible germs – bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens – are not allowed to linger. This step in the process makes a surface hygienic and halts the spread of disease.
Understanding the distinction between the two is pivotal for maintaining a healthy environment, especially in commercial spaces where foot traffic is high and the potential for germ transmission is increased. When done effectively, wiping followed by disinfecting creates a comprehensive approach to cleanliness that goes beyond surface-level tidiness.
Sonlight Cleaning Services uses only the highest quality disinfectants and our team members are trained thoroughly in how to apply each of the products we use for your office or commercial property. We always take the next step to ensure you and those who enter your facility are not repeatedly exposed to the germs that can so easily knock down an entire office. COVID-19, flu, stomach viruses, and even the common cold can disrupt business. Don’t take that chance with a company who may settle for “visually clean” when what you really need is genuinely clean.
By Laura Pulliam
