How to Clean and Disinfect Household Surfaces Properly

When was the last time you read the instructions on your favorite bathroom cleaning spray? You may have noticed it mentions reapplying or waiting longer for heavily soiled surfaces. There’s a reason for that: cleaning and disinfecting aren’t the same thing.

If you’re into homemade cleaning products like I am, that’s something crucial to know. Because you don’t need to worry about disinfecting every little thing, but you definitely need to clean and disinfect in two separate steps. Let me explain.

The Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting

To properly disinfect a surface, you must first understand that it’s not the same thing as cleaning and, in fact, is an entirely different step. Doing the steps in the wrong order wastes your time and cleaning supplies, and also creates health risks.

Definition of disinfecting

Disinfecting is the act of using chemical agents to kill germs, viruses, and other microorganisms. This is a crucial step to preventing the spread of infection and protect against harmful pathogens that can cause illnesses. Disinfecting eliminates microscopic organisms like bacteria and viruses, but does not remove dirt or debris.

Household Surfaces that Require Both Cleaning and Disinfection

Routine cleaning is enough in most areas of your home unless you’re dealing with the obvious gross stuff or you’ve just moved into a new home. But there are a few surfaces which require disinfection after cleaning to protect your health.

Disinfecting the kitchen floor is usually unnecessary since it’s not a high-touch surface and doesn’t come in contact with food. (Unless you buy into that 5-second rule.) In most cases, mopping with hot water and a little dish soap is enough, then spot treat areas with disinfectant following food spills or contamination.

The bathroom floor rarely requires disinfecting unless it’s contaminated from a sewage backup or flood, or if you are potty-training young males. If you do want to use something stronger, sweep or vacuum the floor, then mop it with a germ-killing floor cleaner.

Steps to Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Step 1: Clear off the surface. Remove any items and wipe away loose dirt and debris with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Step 2: Clean the surface. Wipe the area with warm, soapy water using a sponge or cloth to scrub away grime. Pay special attention to food preparation spots.

Step 3: Rinse and dry. Rinse the surface well with clean water to remove soap residue, then let it air dry or use a towel.

Step 4: Apply disinfectant. Go over the area with a disinfecting wipe or spray and let it sit for the recommended time, then wipe it off.

Bleach: Chlorine bleach is a strong disinfectant that is effective against a wide range of germs and viruses. It’s useful on hard surfaces such as countertops, floors, and walls, as well as in laundry. But it’s also a respiratory irritant and bad for the environment.

Alcohol-based products: These disinfectants contain a high concentration of alcohol and work well on countertops, doorknobs, and electronics. Common brand names include Zep, Sprayway, and Microban.

Hydrogen peroxide: Affordable 3% hydrogen peroxide is a mild disinfectant that is safe to use on most countertops, floors, and bathrooms. Hydrogen peroxide is the key ingredient in homemade oxygen bleach.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs): QACs are a group of disinfectants that are effective against a wide range of germs and viruses on hard surfaces. Common brand names include Fabuloso, Lysol, and Mr. Clean.

Disinfectant wipes: These pre-moistened wipes are convenient for use on countertops, doorknobs, light switches, knobs, handles, and electronic devices. You can also make homemade disinfecting wipes.