Cleaning vs. Sanitizing

Restrooms are the best place for many harmful bacteria to grow and replicate. They can live on any surface and live under extreme conditions. Even the cleanest surface might be filled with pathogens and germs. That is why it is important to have adequate sanitation and cleaning measures implemented. So, what is the difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

• Clean: Confronting those hard-to-reach areas that harbor germs and bacteria.

  • An important step that is often neglected in the cleaning process is using the correct chemicals and tools for the job at hand. The restroom has different surfaces, such as mirrors, tiles, stainless steel, and porcelain. Each of these surfaces can be more efficiently cleaned with the proper chemical and procedure. This process is surface level and does not eliminate all bacteria.

• Sanitize: Applying the correct chemicals to clean surfaces and destroying bacteria and viruses on the surface.

  • After cleaning all those surfaces, often the most important step of sanitizing is overlooked. Correctly using an EPA registered product that reduces the number of bacteria creates the safe environment your employees and customers deserve.

    
    

Many cleaning products do not sanitize, and many sanitizers do not clean.

Bleach is a chemical commonly used for cleaning; however, bleach only disinfects and does not remove built-up dirt and grime. It is very corrosive and using it regularly can be harmful to your health and hard surfaces. Bleach can also create deadly fumes if it is mixed with other chemicals.

At Fikes of Minnesota, we:

• Make daily maintenance easier

• Remove build-up harboring bacteria and viruses from fixtures, walls, and floors

• Ensure that restrooms are properly cleaned and sanitized with the correct chemicals and tools