What is the difference between cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting?

These three terms are frequently used interchangeably but mean different things — and each serves a different purpose in maintaining health in Nairobi homes and offices.

Cleaning

Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, debris, and organic matter from surfaces. It uses soap or detergent and water. Cleaning does not kill germs — it physically removes them and the organic material that protects them.

When to clean: As the first step in all cleaning protocols, and for everyday maintenance. You cannot effectively sanitise or disinfect without cleaning first.

Sanitising

Sanitising reduces the number of bacteria on surfaces to a safe level, as defined by public health standards. It doesn't necessarily eliminate all pathogens but reduces them to a level where disease transmission risk is low.

When to sanitise: Food preparation surfaces, children's toys, and areas where bacteria presence is a concern but where full disinfection is not required.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting kills the vast majority of pathogens — bacteria, viruses, and fungi — on surfaces using chemical disinfectants. Disinfection requires a minimum contact time (dwell time) per the product label to be effective.

When to disinfect: After illness in the household, in healthcare facilities, in food processing areas, around toilets, and whenever eliminating all microorganisms is the goal.

In Practice

Bestcare uses all three in sequence: clean with detergent to remove organic matter, sanitise high-touch surfaces, and disinfect toilets, bathrooms, kitchen bins, and areas of specific hygiene concern.

For professional three-step sanitation in Nairobi, visit Bestcare Cleaning Services or call 0709004600.