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Does Disinfecting Kill Germs? What You're Probably Missing
- Clean Results Cleaning Services
- May 18
- 3 min read
The Truth About Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
Many people assume that wiping down a surface automatically kills germs. But the reality is more complicated. Understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is crucial for maintaining a healthy home.
Cleaning removes dirt and debris, but it doesn’t necessarily kill germs. Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves using chemical disinfectants designed to eliminate bacteria and viruses on surfaces and objects.
So yes—disinfecting can kill germs, but only when done correctly.
Cleaning First, Then Disinfecting
A common myth is that you can skip cleaning and jump straight to disinfecting. Not true! Germs cling to dust, grease, and grime.
Step 1: Clean with soap and water to remove particles from surfaces.
Step 2: Use an EPA-approved disinfectant product and follow the label’s dwell time (the time it must sit wet on the surface).
Skipping step one can make disinfectants far less effective and leave germs on surfaces.
Where Germs Hide in Your Home
You may be focusing your disinfecting efforts on the wrong areas. High-touch surfaces and objects are the most critical places to disinfect:
Light switches
Doorknobs
Faucets
Remote controls
Countertops and clean surfaces in the kitchen
These surfaces are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses.
Myths About Disinfectant Products
Some disinfectant products claim to kill 99.9% of germs—but only if used exactly as directed. Misconceptions include:
Wiping off too soon before the product dries
Using expired disinfectant sprays or wipes
Using the wrong cleaner for a particular surface
Not all disinfectants are the same, and not all germs are equally affected. Read labels carefully to reduce the risk.
Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting: What's the Difference Between Products?
Sanitizing reduces germs to a safe level as judged by public health standards. It’s often used in food-safe areas.
Disinfecting goes a step further by killing nearly all germs and viruses. Both are important—but they’re not interchangeable. Knowing the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting matters when you're trying to prevent the spread of illness.
Are You Just Spreading Germs Around?
If you use one wipe for your whole kitchen or don’t wash cloths regularly, you may be transferring bacteria and germs from surfaces.
Tips to avoid this:
Use a clean side of your cloth for each surface
Wash hands before and after cleaning
Don’t use the same rag for toilets and countertops
How Long Should Disinfectant Sit on Surfaces?
This is known as dwell time, and it matters. Some chemical disinfectants need 2–10 minutes of wet contact to work.
If you spray and immediately wipe dry, you’re probably leaving germs behind instead of killing them.
The Role of Soap and Water
It may seem simple, but soap and water are incredibly effective at removing viruses and germs on surfaces. This step often gets overlooked, especially when people over-rely on sanitizers and disinfectants.
Start with a basic clean. Then disinfect.
How Clean Is Clean Enough?
You don’t need to disinfect every surface every day. Focus on clean surfaces that are frequently touched. Over-disinfecting can lead to skin irritation, resistance, or unnecessary exposure to bleach and other harsh products.
Create a plan that balances safety and effectiveness.
Professional Help from Cleaners Who Know the Difference
At Clean Results, our professional cleaners do more than tidy up. We:
Use hospital-grade disinfectant products
Target high-touch germ hotspots
Clean and disinfect thoroughly
Reduce your risk of illness in the home
Whether you're worried about the flu or other viruses, our team is trained to help. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!
Your Clean. Your Peace. Your Time. Guaranteed. Learn more here.
More peace!
That Clean Results feeling. You walk through the front door and feel the weight has lifted. Your home is clean. It smells clean. The floor feels clean. And now you can spend the rest of your day relaxing in the beauty of your home and/or doing what you love. Let Clean Results take the pressure off and help you enjoy more of your life.
Clean Results, LLC
3400 E Tuxedo Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006
Tel: (918) 331-9082