Cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing serve different purposes in displacing and removing dirt, reducing microorganisms, and preventing the spread of viruses. On a regular basis, our commercial cleaning focuses on two steps: We clean and disinfect to keep your building as sanitary and healthy as possible.
CLEAN: Cleaning is focused on removing debris, dirt, dust, and other visible contaminants from surfaces, using detergents and water where applicable. While wiping away may remove germs, it doesn’t necessarily kill them.
SANITIZE: Sanitizing focuses on reducing the number of bacteria and germs on surfaces to a safe level as defined by public health standards, lowering the risk of spreading infection.
DISINFECT: Disinfection goes beyond cleaning and sanitizing. It involves using Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) approved chemical agents and proper procedures to eliminate germs on surfaces.
STERILIZE: Sterilizing involves using high heat, chemicals, or other procedures to remove all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, from objects or surfaces, but is rarely needed outside of some healthcare settings.
Innovation Building Maintenance provides comprehensive janitorial and commercial cleaning services that actively address all these cleaning and disinfection needs.
Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada and Public Health Ontario
