Difference Between Sanitize and Disinfect

Sanitization and disinfection methods were used before by doctors in hospitals and in places where people gather. At present, when diseases are quite easily affecting our system, the need for the conduction of ‘sanitizing’ and the process of ”disinfecting’ has increased. The two words are similar in meaning, but the key difference lies in the intensity of substances used to conduct these procedures. Knowing the differences will also let people know when to sanitize and when to disinfect.

Sanitize vs Disinfect

The main difference between these phrases is that the intensity of the components used for these two methods is different. Sanitization (usage of sanitizers) is a simple technique where the chemical substances utilized are less powerful. As contradicted by it, disinfecting is a more powerful technique and has a more potent composition. Furthermore, the chemical substances used vary along with the portion of germs.

Sanitization is a method executed in a spot where the germ count is considerably lower than disinfect. Sanitization will curtail the number of germs to such an extent that they will be too little in quantity. They would not be able to hurt us. The sanitization technique involves the usage of less strong chemicals. They can kill a specific amount of germs in a limited period. Sanitizers are essential to sanitize the food packets we buy from outside, clothing, trinkets, etc. 

Disinfecting a surface means using a harsh chemical as a disinfectant over a surface. This chemical can eliminate even the slightest trace of any germs present. It kills every single one of them. It is the best choice for places where there are higher amounts of harmful germs or bacteria. These are of three types (or levels). They are high level followed by moderate, and finally low. These levels help us know what disinfectant to use at what place. 

Comparison Table Between Sanitize and Disinfect

What is Sanitize? 

Sanitize, or sanitization, in simplest terms, means the process of using sanitizers on a surface. Sanitizers can come in many forms. There are liquid sanitizers that come in bottles. Also, a spray form of these is common. It is a method executed in a spot where the germ count is considerably lower in such a way that it’s not deadly. 

Sanitization will kill most of the germs. It is efficient to such an extent that their presence lessens to about 0.01 percent. It is the technique where the destruction of germs takes place by the use of delicate chemicals. They can kill a specific amount of germs in a limited period. They are helpful for the sanitization of food packets and other commodities we get from the market.

The best thing about sanitizer is that they are found easily in many stores. Also, these are compact enough to be carried around with us. Some of the constitutional components of these include ethanol, which makes up ninety-six percentage of the sanitizer. Hydrogen peroxide constitutes the other three percent. Lastly, glycerol makes up the last one percent of these. 

The World Health Organization has recommended people always use sanitizers. One should use it before and after eating. Also, when we take something from another person, it’s safe to sanitize it.

What is Disinfect? 

Disinfect are for larger surfaces. It is conducted in places like hospitals for the safety of patients, in restaurants to prevent the spread of germs, in airports, on surgical apparatus, and where total sterilization is the demand. Disinfecting a surface means the usage of harsh chemicals recognized as a disinfectant over a surface. 

It is a strong chemical that is capable of eliminating even the minute traces of germs. They are of three types categorized based on their efficiency. The higher-level ones are the safest and the most efficient. Following it comes the moderate one. The last in these series is the low ones. Depending on the level of dirt and germs, one should make their choice.

The Environment Protection Agency has set up specific standards for disinfectants. They need to eliminate every germ. The disinfectant used in hospitals is the most powerful. The chemical composition of these includes two percent glutaraldehyde along with seven percent phenol. In addition to this, 1.20 percentage of sodium phenate is also present.

Some famous disinfectants include alcohol, chlorine, and chlorine compounds. They are best along with Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde,  Hydrogen Peroxide, etc. Hence, the use of disinfectants is a must.

Main Differences Between Sanitise and Disinfect

Conclusion

These methods of sanitizing and disinfecting have been the people’s choice for a long. At present, these are being done regularly at various places. Children should sanitize their hands. The sanitization of food packets with a sanitizer, toys, and utensils is a must. As sanitizers contain alcohol percentage, it is best to keep them away from the flame. 

Disinfecting surfaces in hostels, restaurants, and public places is essential on a large scale for the protection of people. As diseases are wreaking havoc, these two methods provide easy and safe ways to eradicate germs. Hence, they should be promoted and widely used. Awareness programs are essential to make people realize their importance and how to use them. 

References 

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