Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting?

 Are companies employing tricky advertising by using each definition? Which one is right for you and your home?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting all have different definitions.

Cleaning: removes germs, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces but doesn't necessarily kill them.

Sanitizing: lowers the number of germs, on surfaces or objects, to a safe level, according to public health standards or requirements. 

Disinfecting: kills 99.9% of germs on surfaces and objects.

In short, no, companies are not dishonestly practicing by using different definitions, this is key in communicating what degree of cleaning or chemical treatment the object/surface is receiving. In fact, a good company will consult with the owner to determine to what degree of cleaning each property will get. 

Each of the three practices have different results and should not be used interchangeably. For example, homes should always be cleaned first if they are receiving either sanitization or disinfection. The chemical treatments for sanitizing and disinfecting (S&D) will be much more efficient if there are not layers of dirt, grime, or dust interfering with the contact to the surface. For most properties, sanitizing is plenty fine to keep bad bacteria and viruses out, leaving some bacteria behind that can aid in building the immune system without exposing the owner to large concentrations of harmful inhabitants. Conversely, if the owner/client is immunocompromised, disinfecting may be required as the bacteria and viruses left behind may still be very harmful. In this case, the total annihilation of the bad inhabitants by industrial/commercial disinfectants would be preferable to leaving behind what could normally be beneficial. 

Properly equipped cleaning companies will both have the materials and resources to clean, sanitize, and disinfect. Additionally, proper safety measures will be put in place to minimize any harmful biproducts from using such potent chemicals.