Sanitization and disinfection methods have been used before by doctors in hospitals and places where people gather. At present, when diseases are quite easily affecting our system, the need for the conduction of ‘sanitizing’ and the process of ”disinfecting’ has increased.
The two words are similar in meaning, but the key difference lies in the intensity of substances used to conduct these procedures. Knowing the differences will also let people know when to sanitize and when to disinfect.
Key Takeaways
- Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces to safe levels, while disinfecting kills or inactivates most or all pathogens.
- Disinfectants are stronger and more effective than sanitizers but can also be more toxic to humans and the environment.
- Sanitizing is suitable for everyday cleaning while disinfecting is recommended for high-touch surfaces and during outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Sanitize vs Disinfect
The difference between these phrases is that the intensity of the components used for these two methods is different. Sanitization (usage of sanitisers) is a simple technique where the chemical substances utilized are less powerful. As contradicted by it, disinfecting is a more powerful technique and has a more potent composition. Furthermore, the chemical substances used vary along with the portion of germs.
Sanitization is a method executed in a spot where the germ count is considerably lower than disinfection. Sanitization will curtail the number of germs to such an extent that they will be too little in quantity. They would not be able to hurt us.
The sanitization technique involves the usage of less strong chemicals. They can kill a specific amount of germs in a limited period. Sanitisers are essential to sanitize the food packets we buy from outside, clothing, trinkets, etc.
Disinfecting a surface means using a harsh chemical as a disinfectant over a surface. This chemical can eliminate even the slightest trace of any germs present.
It kills every single one of them. It is the best choice for places where there are higher amounts of harmful germs or bacteria. There are three types (or levels). They are high level followed by moderate, and finally low. These levels help us know what disinfectant to use at what place.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Sanitize | Disinfect |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | It is mild and is for places where fewer germs are present. | It is strong and is for locations where more germs are present. |
| Amount of germs killed | It kills most of the germs. | It kills all the germs up to 100%. |
| Places of use | Hands, toys, food packages, utensils should adopt the process of sanitizing. | Hospitals, rooms, floors, surgical instruments should adopt the process of disinfecting. |
| Chemicals involved | Mild chemicals find application in this procedure. | Strong chemicals find application in disinfectants. |
| What does it protect from | It protects us from certain types of bacterias. | It protects us from certain bacteria, viruses, mildews, or fungi. That comprises almost all germs. |
What is Sanitize?
Sanitize, or sanitization, in simplest terms, means the process of using sanitisers on a surface. Sanitisers can come in many forms. There are liquid sanitisers that come in bottles.
Also, a spray form of these is common. It is a method executed in a spot where the germ count is considerably lower in such a way that it’s not deadly.
Sanitization will kill most of the germs. It is efficient to such an extent that their presence lessens to about 0.01 percent. It is the technique where the destruction of germs takes place by the use of delicate chemicals.
They can kill a specific amount of germs in a limited period. They are helpful for the sanitization of food packets and other commodities we get from the market.
The best thing about sanitizers is that they are found easily in many stores. Also, these are compact enough to be carried around with us. Some of the constitutional components of these include ethanol, which makes up ninety-six percentage of the sanitizer.
Hydrogen peroxide constitutes the other three percent. Lastly, glycerol makes up the last one percent of these.
The World Health Organization has recommended people always use sanitizers. One should use it before and after eating. Also, when we take something from another person, it’s safe to sanitize it.
What is Disinfect?
Disinfect are for larger surfaces. It is conducted in places like hospitals for the safety of patients, in restaurants to prevent the spread of germs, in airports, on surgical apparatus, and where total sterilization is the demand.
Disinfecting a surface means the usage of harsh chemicals recognized as a disinfectant over a surface.
It is a strong chemical that is capable of eliminating even minute traces of germs. They are of three types categorized based on their efficiency. The higher-level ones are the safest and the most efficient.
Following it comes the moderate one. The last in these series is the low ones. Depending on the level of dirt and germs, one should make their choice.
The Environment Protection Agency has set up specific standards for disinfectants. They need to eliminate every germ. The disinfectant used in hospitals is the most powerful.
The chemical composition of these includes two percent glutaraldehyde along with seven percent phenol. In addition to this, 1.20 percentage of sodium phenate is also present.
Some famous disinfectants include alcohol, chlorine, and chlorine compounds. They are best along with Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Hydrogen Peroxide, etc. Hence, the use of disinfectants is a must.
Main Differences Between Sanitise and Disinfect
- In the case of sanitizers, it’s milder and is used commonly. But disinfectants are much strong and used in other places. Disinfecting is more efficient than sanitizing.
- Sanitation tries to kill a number of germs, and not all. But disinfection eliminates every trace of germs
- Sanitizers are used in hands, toys, utensils, and food packets. Disinfectants are used in hospitals and in places of gathering.
- Mild chemicals constitute sanitizers. However, more powerful and harsh chemicals make up disinfectants.
- Sanitizers provide us protection from the mainly bacterial spread. However, disinfectants help to destroy all kinds of germs. These include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mildew.
Last Updated : 08 August, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article effectively conveys the differences between sanitizing and disinfecting, especially in terms of the strength, components involved, and the amount of germs killed.
Exactly, Wood Rowena. The level of detail provided is commendable, making this article highly educational.
I agree, Wood Rowena. The depth of explanation on the topic is truly informative and valuable.
The distinction between the components used for sanitizing and disinfecting, and their significance in protecting us from different pathogens, is succinctly outlined in this article.
I couldn’t agree more, Owen Craig. The chemical aspect detailed here is particularly enlightening.
Absolutely, the article does a fantastic job of presenting the differences between sanitizing and disinfecting in a clear and informative manner.
The detailed explanation of sanitization and disinfection methods is highly educational, especially when it comes to the chemicals involved and their strengths.
Absolutely, Jodie Rose. The chemical aspect is what sets apart the two methods, and this article does a great job explaining it.
The distinction between sanitization and disinfection, especially in relation to where and when each should be used, is well-explained in this article.
Spot on, Fox Becky. The article offers a clear comparison, which is truly enlightening.
Understanding the need for both sanitizing and disinfecting and when to use each method is crucial. This article breaks down the differences extremely well.
I agree, Agray. The article provides clarity on when each method is suitable and how they protect us from different types of germs.
The article provides in-depth details and a comparison table that aids in understanding the differences between sanitizing and disinfecting. Very well-written and informative.
Absolutely, Scott00. The information is laid out in a manner that makes it easy to comprehend the distinctions between the two methods.
This article is an excellent resource for understanding the nuances between sanitizing and disinfecting, along with the specific areas of use for each method.
The insight into the strength and potential toxicity of sanitizers and disinfectants is especially informative. It’s essential knowledge.
Indeed, Fjones. The distinction between the two methods is laid out exceptionally well here.
This article is really informative and provides a detailed explanation on the importance and difference between sanitizing and disinfecting. It’s particularly important during times like these when diseases are easily transmissible.
The article provides a comprehensive comparison table and also details the chemicals involved, making it a truly informative piece.
I absolutely agree with you, Lilly21. The differences between the two are succinctly explained in this article. It’s a valuable read.
The clarification regarding the effectiveness and places suitable for sanitizing versus disinfecting is beneficial. This piece is highly informative.
I couldn’t agree more, Clark Florence. The comparison table is particularly useful for understanding the differences and applications of each method.
Absolutely, the comparison table and detailed explanations make this article an educational read on the topic.
The importance and distinction between sanitizing and disinfecting are clearly detailed. This article provides essential information for the current times.
Absolutely, John41. The relevance of such information cannot be overstated, especially during the current scenario.