Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What You Need to Know to Keep Germs at Bay 💪🦠

Preventing Colds, Flu, and Other Illnesses Understanding the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting and How to Do Both. Learn the Facts Here.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and clarify the distinction between cleaning and disinfecting. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but trust me, they are not the same thing.

Cleaning is like giving your house a nice, refreshing makeover. It

Keeping germs under control is no easy task. With colds, the flu, and other illnesses lurking around every corner, your best defense is a good offense. But here’s the thing: cleaning alone won’t always cut it. Cleaning and disinfecting are two different beasts, and knowing how, what, and when to do both is key to keeping yourself and your family healthy.

The Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting 🧪🧹

Let’s start with the basics. Cleaning involves removing dirt and impurities from surfaces using water, soap, or detergent and some good old elbow grease. On the other hand, disinfecting is all about killing germs. It requires applying a special substance to a surface and letting it sit for a certain amount of time, usually between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Disinfecting is like a superhero that swoops in to save the day after cleaning has done its job.

Clean First, Then Disinfect 💦🧽

Here’s a fun fact: disinfectants won’t work their magic if there’s dirt, soil, dust, or food debris on surfaces. So, before you break out the disinfectant wipes, grab your cleaning supplies and give everything a good scrub. Nancy Simcox, an assistant teaching professor at the University of Washington, warns that disinfectants are often misused and overused. Sometimes, cleaning is all you need, my friend!

When and How to Tackle Different Surfaces 🏠

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of cleaning and disinfecting, it’s time to put it into action on different surfaces around your home. Here’s what you need to know:

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Household Surfaces ✨

High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, refrigerator handles, bathroom faucets, toilet flushers, and light switches can be breeding grounds for pesky germs. However, not all germs are created equal. According to Bill Carroll, an adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University, you only need to worry about disinfecting surfaces if you can breathe in the germs, eat them, or rub them on your skin. If not, a good cleaning will do the trick.

If someone in your household is sick, it’s time to take disinfection up a notch. Look for EPA-approved bleach or hydrogen-based products, and follow the instructions on the label. Alternatively, you can make your own disinfectant using a mixture of one-third cup bleach and a gallon of water. Apply it to surfaces, let it sit for a minute, rinse, and let air dry. As for kitchen counters, hot and soapy water will do for most cases, but don’t forget to disinfect if they come into contact with raw meat or eggs.

Laundry 🧺

Washing your clothes and bedding with detergent is usually enough, but when someone in your home falls ill, it’s time to break out the big guns. Separate their laundry from the rest and wash it as soon as possible using a deep-cleaning detergent and the hottest water the fabric can handle. Adding a laundry disinfectant or bleach to the mix is also a good idea. And remember, always wash your hands after handling dirty laundry and wipe down your hamper and washer with a disinfectant.

Devices 📱💻

Your beloved handheld devices, such as your cell phone, laptop, and tablet, are hotspots for germs. In fact, they’re as germ-ridden as a kitchen sponge! Yikes! To keep them clean, unplug them once a week and remove visible dirt and debris with a dry cloth. Next, grab a scratch-free wipe designed for electronics and give each screen a good clean. Finish it off by gently swabbing the surfaces with a disinfectant wipe (make sure it’s not too wet!). Oh, and don’t forget about your smartwatch! Remove the rubber wristband and give it a wash in warm, soapy water, especially after a sweaty workout.

Out and About 💼

We can’t forget about all the surfaces we come into contact with outside our homes—door handles, shopping carts, credit card keypads, and gas pumps. While these areas can be germ-filled, you don’t need to disinfect every single surface before touching them. According to Bill Carroll, a brief contact won’t transfer enough germs onto your hands, and if you wash your hands afterward, you’ll break the chain of infection. Phew!

Follow these handwashing tips to keep those germs at bay:

• Wash your hands before and after meals.
• Wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Wash your hands when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose.
• Wash your hands after handling pets.

If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. It’s a lifesaver!

Tips for Safe Cleaning and Disinfection ✅🧼

Before you go on a cleaning frenzy, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t mix products. The idea that combining two good things creates something wonderful doesn’t apply to cleaning products. Mixing bleach with ammonia, for example, can create a dangerous chemical reaction. Just don’t do it. Also, never mix bleach and vinegar—trust me, you don’t want those toxic vapors.
• Clean your sponges properly. To keep your sponges clean, frequently replace them or pop them in the dishwasher for a spin. Make sure to use a cycle with a heated drying phase.

Remember, achieving a germ-free environment isn’t the goal. Your immune system needs exposure to common pathogens to stay strong. So, embrace a little dirt, my friend!

📚 References: – Medline Plus: “Germs and Hygiene” – American Cleaning Institute: “Laundry Care for Better Health,” “Hard Surface Hygiene” – CDC: “When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home,” “Keeping Hands Clean” – Consumer Reports: “Cleaning Secrets for Every Room” – Water Quality and Health Council: “Cleaning and Disinfecting Electronic Devices” – Adventist Health: “Five Electronics to Disinfect Regularly” – NSF.org: “Reliable and Scientific Tips for Cleaning with Vinegar”

🔥 Now you’re armed with the knowledge and know-how to tackle those germs head-on! If you found this article helpful, share it with your friends and family. After all, fighting germs is a team effort! 💪🦠