Cleaning vs. Disinfecting—Do You Know the Difference?

If you glean only one thing from this page, let it be this:

“‘Cleaning’ is different from ‘disinfecting.’ Clean with soap and water first, and then ask whether disinfecting is necessary. When necessary, disinfecting must be done by an adult when children are not present—no kids allowed!”

We tend to conflate “cleaning” with “disinfecting,” and as a result, disinfectants are overused.

Here is an illustrative—albeit discouraging—example. When my older son was in first grade, his former school had kids disinfecting surfaces multiple times per day. That, in and of itself, is not okay (we’ll get to why in a minute). Here is the really discouraging part. Some of his classmates would use the disinfectant wipes to wipe down their desks . . . and then their hands . . . and then their mouths.

What do we expect? It’s not the kids’ fault. We—as adults—have become desensitized to the overuse of disinfectants. And the effect is magnified in the next generation. To the point that a disinfectant wipe is perceived as no different from a wet washcloth.

Why is it so bad for kids to be around disinfectants, let alone handle them or—I cringe to type it—apply disinfectants to their hands and faces?

Let’s start with the basics. Disinfectants are a class of pesticides, which means they are designed to kill living organisms and are thus inherently toxic.

Disinfectants are known to trigger asthma attacks, as well as new-onset asthma. There is also a growing body of evidence linking disinfectants to hormone disruption and reproductive (i.e. fertility) issues. Just from ambient exposure.

The EPA, which regulates disinfectants, warns that children should not apply disinfectants, including disinfectant wipes, because these products can harm children’s health. Similarly, the product manufacturers tell you right there on the label—“Keep out of reach of children.”

In addition to the disinfecting agents, themselves, cleaning products tend to include fragrance, dyes, synthetic surfactants, preservatives, and other harsh chemicals that pose real risks to human health. And as with so many things, children are especially at risk due to their small size, developing organs, and hand-to-mouth behavior, among other factors.

Now that we know “cleaning” is different from “disinfecting,” let’s take a look at when and how to do which one.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

To continue the theme above, let’s define our vocabulary.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

Cleaning with soap and water removes dirt and germs. Clean first, then ask whether disinfecting is necessary.

Disinfecting kills germs that remain after cleaning. Dirt makes it harder for disinfectants to reach germs, which is why cleaning with soap and water is always the first step. If disinfecting is necessary, it is a job for adults only!

“Cleaning” with soap and water removes dirt and germs. “Disinfecting” kills the germs that remain after cleaning.

“Cleaning” is always the first step before “disinfecting.” That’s because dirt makes it harder for disinfectants—even commercial disinfectants—to reach germs. Plus, if you don’t clean first, you’re just smearing dirt around.

That means that before you reach for a disinfectant spray or a disinfectant wipe, you should clean with soap and water first.

So clean with soap and water first—because you have to, anyway—and then ask whether disinfecting is necessary.

Is it ever necessary? Yes. We’ll get to that in a minute.

Daily Cleaning with Soap and Water

Soap is all you need to clean the majority of surfaces in your home on a daily basis (see the CDC guidance on the topic).

For everyday cleaning of non-porous surfaces, simply spray the surface with your soap spray, let it sit for a minute, and then wipe it down with a rag. Then rinse your rag with water and wipe away any soap residue on the surface. If you still notice soap residue, you might try diluting your soap spray with more water, or you can follow up with diluted vinegar spray.

You can use this approach for counters, sinks, bathtubs and showers, tile surfaces, toilets, and other non-porous surfaces.

Of course, if you have a particularly dirty surface, or if you are particularly concerned about germs, use more soap, water, and elbow grease for a more thorough cleaning. And see the disinfectant considerations below.

Disinfecting

Are disinfectants ever necessary? Yes.

When our dishwasher leaked and created a moldy mess in our kitchen and basement, I killed the mold with a true disinfectant—one that contains only three ingredients (hypochlorous acid, a very small amount of sodium hydroxide, and water), and none of the other junk, like fragrance, preservatives, dyes, etc.

You know the needs of your family best, and perhaps you have circumstances that require more frequent and comprehensive disinfecting with a true disinfectant (e.g., someone with an open wound, a compromised immune system, or other particular needs).

My purpose here is not to tell you what is best for your family, but to encourage intentional usage of disinfecting agents. For example, if you are using a disinfectant out of habit every time you wipe down your kitchen counter or table, I encourage you to clean with soap spray first, and then take a moment to consider whether disinfecting is necessary.

When disinfecting is necessary, follow the safety instructions on the product label, and take at least the following precautions around children:

• Disinfecting must be done by an adult—no kids allowed! This includes disinfecting wipes!

• Use disinfectants (including wipes) only when children are not present in the area.

• Ensure adequate ventilation before children reenter the disinfected area.

The key takeaway: Clean with soap and water first—because you have to, anyway—and then ask whether disinfecting is necessary. When necessary, disinfecting must be done by an adult when children are not present.

A Note on Vinegar

In our home, I use diluted vinegar spray (after I’ve cleaned with the soap spray) for a bit of disinfecting power.

I say “a bit of disinfecting power,” because while vinegar does kill some germs, it is not considered a “disinfectant.”

As discussed at the outset, the EPA regulates disinfectants, because disinfectants are a class of pesticides—they are designed to kill “pests,” with the “pests” in this instance being the bacteria, virus, fungus, etc. An EPA registered disinfectant has been tested and found to meet certain standards for killing certain pests (e.g., “kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria”).

Vinegar does not rise to that level of disinfecting power.

Nonetheless, personally, I have found vinegar to be sufficient in our home for nearly all purposes. I use it (after I’ve cleaned with soap spray) on my kitchen counter after I’ve handled raw meat and on certain hard surfaces in my bathroom every couple of weeks.

But again, you know the needs of your family best, and perhaps you have circumstances that require a registered disinfectant. My goal here is to encourage intentional usage of disinfectants—by adults, only.