Cleaning involves much more than just removing dirt, dust, and grime. Any cleaning service professional will tell you effective deep-cleaning includes sanitizing and disinfecting as well. Triple A Maintenance in Cameron, WI, provides a broad range of maintenance services, from carpet cleaning to disaster restoration.

Here, the staff explains the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting: 

Cleaning 

Cleaning uses soap or detergent and water to remove germs, dirt, dust, and debris physically. Cleaning doesn’t necessarily kill germs, but it does remove several of them, which reduces the risk of spreading infection. Cleaning is necessary since dirt and dust must be removed before the surface can be sanitized and disinfected.  An example of this would be wiping a countertop with a wet towel, sweeping and mopping a floor, or cleaning/shampooing the carpet.

Sanitizing 

The definition of the word “sanitize” is to kill specific types of bacteria within a specified timeframe and to ‘return to a hygienic state’. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures manufacturers can only call a product a sanitizer if it kills or renders inactive 99.9% of all known bacteria and fungi on the surface. Sanitizers must be mixed to certain concentrations to be effective. Often, they also need to be left on a surface for a certain amount of time before being wiped off.

Disinfecting 

Disinfectants are much stronger than sanitizers. These destroy all types of disease-carrying microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Disinfecting doesn’t necessarily clean a surface. The purpose of disinfectant is to increase health and safety. Disinfectants are most often used in health care environments, though they may also be used in gyms, health clubs, or restrooms. The primary difference between sanitizing and disinfecting is the type of chemical and its dwell time. Many disinfectants must be left on a surface for 10 minutes minimum. 

Due to their porous nature, carpet and upholstered furniture is able to be cleaned and usually (depending on the source of contamination), sanitized.  However, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to disinfect these items.  In the event of ‘heavy, gross soiling’ such as sewer backups, mold growth, or heavy biologic and organic staining (blood, urine, feces, ect), replacement is sometimes the best solution.

For professional carpet cleaning and janitorial services in Barron County, contact the experts at Triple A Maintenance. They provide residential and commercial cleaning, as well as emergency water and fire damage cleanup. Call (715) 458-4699 or visit their website to learn more.