Many business owners use the terms "cleaning" and "disinfection" interchangeably. But there are some distinct differences. They serve two different purposes. While standard cleaning removes visible dirt and debris, disinfection targets germs, bacteria, and viruses that can linger on surfaces and infect your customers and employees.

Understanding the difference between standard and disinfection cleaning can help you create a healthier environment. Your customers, employees, and visitors will thank you, and you'll protect your business's reputation. In this guide, we'll explain how the two differ. You'll learn how a professional cleaning company, like Quick and Clean, can help keep your workplace safe and presentable. 

What is Standard Cleaning?

A standard service focuses primarily on removing visible dirt from surfaces. Some of the tasks you can expect with this service include:

• Vacuuming
• Sweeping
• Dusting
• Emptying trash
• Restrooms
• Desks and countertops
• Glass and windows

Standard services help to create a professional appearance. It improves your building’s indoor air quality by removing dirt and dust that can enter your HVAC system. It also provides a cleaner, more comfortable environment. However, it doesn’t specifically target bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. 

What is Disinfection?

Disinfection involves the use of EPA-approved disinfectants. These kill or significantly reduce harmful microorganisms on surfaces.  Commonly disinfected areas include:

• Door handles
• Light switches
• Shared workstations
• Breakroom and kitchen surfaces
• Restroom fixtures
• Elevator buttons
• Other shared equipment and surfaces

This type of service works best on clean surfaces free of dirt and debris. A cleaning service will apply disinfectants according to manufacturer guidelines. Then, they'll allow them to remain on surfaces for a required time to be most effective. Disinfection has many benefits, including:

• Reduced spread of illness
• Employee wellness
• A healthier workplace
• Peace of mind for customers and staff
• Maintains high sanitation standards

Key Differences Between Standard Cleaning and Disinfection

The primary difference between the two is that cleaning removes dirt, whereas disinfection kills germs. Cleaning is important to maintain an attractive and professional environment. Disinfection is often added to a standard cleaning surface for extra protection. It's most important in high-touch and high-traffic areas. 

Why It Matters For Businesses

While a standard service goes a long way, disinfection is also important for your business. For one thing, it reassures your employees and customers that their health and well-being are important to you. It's also good for attendance, as it minimizes employee absence due to illness. 

A clean and well-maintained business increases customer confidence and creates a professional appearance. That reflects positively on your brand and implies an overall attention to detail.

For industries like healthcare, childcare, education, and food service, both services are important. These businesses have specific sanitation requirements, and disinfection cleaning ensures that you meet them. 

When Your Business Needs Disinfection Cleaning

So, how can you determine when and where disinfection cleaning is most necessary? For some businesses that see a lot of foot traffic, it's important to disinfect regularly. For gyms, medical offices, daycare centers, retail stores, and restaurants, it should be part of your regular cleaning service. 

It's particularly helpful to add these services to your routine during cold and flu season. Any time your office experiences an illness outbreak, targeted disinfection helps minimize further transmission. Remember that the more often people touch a surface, the greater the potential for germ transmission. 

Protect Your Workplace with Expert Quick & Clean’s Cleaning Services

Keeping your office or facility clean isn't just about keeping up appearances. It's about maintaining a healthier environment for everyone who enters. While standard cleaning removes dirt and debris, professional disinfection provides you with an extra layer of protection. 

At Quick & Clean, we provide customized services to meet commercial cleaning needs. Whether you need standard janitorial services or the occasional deep clean, adding disinfection takes your service to a different level. 

If you're ready to create a cleaner, safer environment for your employees and customers, contact Quick & Clean. Learn about our professional services and set up your own clean routine!