Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Are Not the Same
July 23, 2026
These three words are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they describe different processes. Using them accurately helps prevent both overpromising and unnecessary work.
Cleaning removes soil and impurities
Cleaning uses water, soap or detergent, and physical action to remove dirt, residue, and many germs from a surface. The CDC explains that regular cleaning is enough in many ordinary household situations.
Sanitizing reduces germs to a defined level
Sanitizing is a separate step performed with a product labeled for sanitizing. The surface should be cleaned first, and the sanitizer’s label controls where it may be used, how it is applied, and how long it must remain on the surface.
Disinfecting kills specified germs
Disinfecting uses an EPA-registered disinfectant or another appropriately labeled product. It may be appropriate when someone is sick or when household circumstances call for additional germ control. The surface must be cleaned first unless the product label explicitly says otherwise.
The label is part of the method
For sanitizing and disinfecting, contact time matters: the surface generally needs to remain visibly wet for the full time stated on the label. Ventilation, protective equipment, rinsing, and surface compatibility may also be required. Never mix products or chemicals.
Botanic household cleansers should be described according to their current product listings. Unless a product is specifically registered and labeled for sanitizing or disinfecting, use the accurate word: cleaner.
With care,
Hazel
