Disinfection vs. Sanitization: What Your Business Actually Needs

by | Sep 5, 2025 | B2B, Health & Safety

Introduction

In the world of commercial cleaning, the terms “sanitizing” and “disinfecting” are often used interchangeably. However, they mean very different things, and using the wrong process can have a significant impact on the health and safety of your facility. Understanding the distinction is crucial for business owners and facility managers when creating a cleaning program that truly protects employees and customers from the spread of germs.

This guide will clarify the difference between these two critical processes and help you determine the appropriate level of service for your business needs.

Defining the Terms

Health Canada has specific definitions for these processes based on their effectiveness against microorganisms.

  • Sanitizing: This process is designed to reduce the number of bacteria on a surface to a level considered safe by public health standards. Sanitizing lowers the risk of infection but does not kill all viruses. It is most common in food service environments, for example, on food-prep surfaces.
  • Disinfecting: This process uses specialized chemicals to kill or inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, on hard, non-porous surfaces. Disinfection is the required standard for high-touch surfaces in most commercial and public facilities to effectively stop the spread of illnesses like the flu or common cold.

Which Process Does Your Facility Need?

When to Sanitize:

Sanitizing is appropriate for surfaces that come into contact with food. This includes:

  • Restaurant tables and counters
  • Commercial kitchen food preparation areas
  • Breakroom tables and countertops

The key here is that the chemicals used must be food-grade and safe for these surfaces.

When to Disinfect:

Disinfection is necessary for all high-touch surfaces that are common points for germ transmission. As we discussed in our article on cleaning for medical clinics, this is the standard for healthcare. However, it’s also best practice for any commercial facility. This includes:

  • Doorknobs, push plates, and light switches
  • Restroom fixtures (toilets, faucets, dispensers)
  • Elevator buttons and handrails
  • Reception desks and shared equipment (keyboards, phones)

The Importance of Proper Procedure

Effective disinfection requires using the right product and the right method. A professional cleaning service will use Health Canada-approved, hospital-grade disinfectants and, most importantly, adhere to the product’s required “dwell time”—the amount of time the surface must remain wet for the chemical to be effective. Simply spraying and wiping is not disinfection.

Partner with the Lloydminster Region’s Trusted Cleaning Experts

Ready to implement a cleaning program that truly protects the health of your facility? Contact our team today to discuss our professional disinfection services.