Cleaning and disinfection are often used interchangeably, but they are different processes that serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you determine which service is appropriate for your situation.
What Is Cleaning?
Cleaning refers to the physical removal of dirt, debris, grease, waste and other visible soiling from surfaces. Cleaning uses detergents, water and physical action — scrubbing, wiping, mopping — to remove contaminants from surfaces. Cleaning does not necessarily kill pathogens, but it reduces the number of germs present by physically removing them along with the soil they may be attached to.
What Is Disinfection?
Disinfection refers to the use of a registered disinfectant product to kill or inactivate pathogens on a surface. In Canada, disinfectant products are regulated by Health Canada and must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) to be sold and used as disinfectants. A product's DIN confirms it has been evaluated and authorized for use as a disinfectant against specific pathogens under specific conditions.
Why Cleaning Usually Comes First
Disinfection is most effective on surfaces that have already been cleaned. Organic matter — dirt, grease, bodily fluids — can interfere with the effectiveness of a disinfectant product. For this reason, cleaning is typically performed before disinfection when both are required. Applying a disinfectant to a heavily soiled surface without cleaning first may reduce its effectiveness.
When Is Disinfection Appropriate?
Disinfection is appropriate when there is a specific concern about pathogens on surfaces — for example, following an illness, in a healthcare or care setting, or when a property requires a higher level of surface treatment than cleaning alone provides. Disinfection is not a substitute for cleaning and does not remove visible soiling.
What Entrust The Care Uses for Disinfection
Entrust The Care uses Vital Oxide, a Health Canada registered disinfectant with Drug Identification Number (DIN) 02422654. Vital Oxide is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens when used according to the product label. As with all registered disinfectants, effectiveness depends on following the label directions — including contact time, surface preparation and dilution where applicable.
What Entrust The Care Does Not Claim
Entrust The Care does not claim that disinfection services eliminate all risk of illness or infection, or that any disinfectant product is effective against every pathogen under all conditions. Disinfection services are performed using a Health Canada registered product according to label directions. Specific efficacy claims are those of the registered product, not of Entrust The Care.
Which Service Do You Need?
If your property requires cleaning — removal of dirt, waste, grease, heavy soiling or accumulated debris — that is a cleaning service. If you require surface disinfection using a registered disinfectant product in addition to or following cleaning, that is a disinfection service. Many situations benefit from both. Contact Entrust The Care to discuss your situation and we can help determine what is appropriate.