Disinfection vs. Sanitization: What Facilities Need to Know

When it comes to keeping your facility clean and safe, understanding the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting is critical. While the two are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes—and knowing when to use each can help you meet safety standards, prevent illness, and maintain a healthier environment for staff and visitors.

Step 1: Understand the Definitions

• Sanitizing: Reduces the number of bacteria on surfaces to safe levels as determined by public health standards. It’s often used in food service and daily surface cleaning.
  
  

• Disinfecting: Kills a broader range of microorganisms—including viruses—on nonporous surfaces. This is essential in high-touch, high-risk areas like restrooms, medical offices, and public entryways.
  
  

Tip from Lawton Bros.: Always read product labels. Some cleaners are labeled as both sanitizers and disinfectants, but each use requires a different dwell time and dilution.

Step 2: Identify the Right Applications

Not every surface needs to be disinfected. In fact, over-disinfecting can lead to unnecessary chemical exposure and higher costs. Knowing where and when to disinfect versus sanitize is key.

Tip from Lawton Bros.: Sanitize surfaces like cafeteria tables and office desks daily, and reserve disinfecting for high-touch areas like door handles, faucets, and restroom fixtures.

Step 3: Use the Right Products

Different jobs call for different cleaning agents. Disinfectants must be EPA-registered and used according to their label directions to be effective.

Tip from Lawton Bros.: We recommend having a dual system in place: one for sanitizing general surfaces and another for disinfecting high-risk zones. We can help you set up a tailored cleaning protocol for your facility.

Step 4: Train Staff on Proper Procedures

Even the best products won’t work if they’re used incorrectly. Staff need to understand proper dwell times, dilution rates, and surface compatibility.

Tip from Lawton Bros.: We offer hands-on training to ensure your custodial team knows when and how to properly sanitize or disinfect each area of your facility.

Step 5: Review and Refresh Your Cleaning Protocols Regularly

As health guidelines evolve, so should your cleaning practices. Regular reviews help you stay compliant and effective in your infection control efforts.

Tip from Lawton Bros.: Schedule quarterly assessments with our team to ensure your cleaning program continues to meet OSHA and CDC standards.

Final Thoughts

The choice between sanitizing and disinfecting isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about health, safety, and compliance. With the right knowledge and tools, your facility can reduce illness, increase productivity, and maintain a high standard of care.

Let Lawton Bros. help you build a cleaning program that strikes the perfect balance between sanitization and disinfection.