A disinfectant kills germs and bacterias that may be on surfaces by using chemicals such as bleach or alcohol solutions. This is complete by disrupting the cell walls and membrane, whilst breaking down its molecular bonds.
This process disrupts their ability to survive and reproduce, effectively eliminating pathogens that can cause illness. Disinfecting is a crucial step in maintaining a hygienic environment, especially in high-traffic or high-risk areas.
Which Surfaces Need Disinfecting?
Certain surfaces are more likely to harbour bacteria and viruses due to frequent contact or exposure to bodily fluids. These include:
- High-touch points like door handles, light switches, handrails, and shared equipment.
- Work surfaces and counters, particularly in kitchens, medical settings, and food preparation areas.
- Bathroom fixtures, such as taps, toilet seats, flush handles, and sinks.
- Electronic devices like phones, keyboards, and touchscreens, which are often overlooked but heavily used.
- Communal areas such as reception desks, lift buttons, and shared desks or chairs.
Regularly disinfecting these surfaces helps prevent the spread of germs in both residential and commercial environments.
What Differentiates Disinfecting To Sanitising?
Though often used interchangeably, disinfecting and sanitising are not the same. Here’s the key difference:
- Sanitising reduces the number of germs to a safe level as judged by public health standards. It’s commonly used for food-contact surfaces or hands, where some bacteria are acceptable but must be kept to a minimum.
- Disinfecting goes a step further. It aims to kill nearly 100% of germs on hard surfaces, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Disinfecting is essential in settings where infection control is a priority, such as hospitals, schools, offices, and public restrooms.
In short, sanitising cleans to reduce, disinfecting cleans to eliminate.
How Can I Avoid Germs From Surfaces?
Minimising your exposure to surface germs doesn’t require extreme measures—just consistent, sensible habits:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching shared surfaces.
- Use hand sanitiser when soap and water aren’t available.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily, particularly in communal spaces or workplaces.
- Avoid touching your face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, after contact with public surfaces.
- Use disposable gloves or wipes when handling potentially contaminated items.
- Keep your environment well-ventilated, as this reduces the survival time of airborne pathogens.
Partnering with a professional cleaning company like CCS ensures that disinfecting is done thoroughly and regularly, helping to protect your staff, customers, and visitors.
Professional Disinfection Services
Our disinfection services provide businesses and schools with a safe, professional cleaning service. This specialist service ensures the cleanliness of your location, promoting health and safety for your staff, visitors and students.
As a business or educational establishment, it is essential to utilise professional cleaning services to eliminate germs and bacteria. With our experienced team, you will benefit from a high quality service and friendly cleaners dedicated to providing leading services.
