Cleaning: This involves removing unwanted contaminants, such as soil, dirt and grease, from a surface, material, or your hands. It’s usually what you’re doing when washing with soap and water. Cleaning along with rinsing and using a cloth or paper towel may remove some germs as well when they’re washed or wiped away.
Sanitizing: When sanitizing, you’re reducing (but not necessarily eliminating) the number of germs on the surface to levels considered safe as determined by public health codes or regulations.
Disinfecting: When disinfecting, on surfaces and objects you’re irreversibly inactivating pathogens (microorganisms that cause infections and disease) including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, this should be done using one of the products registered by the EPA for this use. For a list of EPA-registered disinfectants that are expected to work on SARS-CoV-2, see EPA’s List N. Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19) or the Center for Biocide Chemistries’ Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Fighting Products list, which is a user-friendly list of the EPA approved disinfectants.
Click here to see the EPA definitions of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting.
Disinfecting FAQs
Should you Clean or Disinfect?
If your goal is to reduce the spread of pathogens, or germs that cause illness, especially on frequently touched surfaces, then you should clean and disinfect. Clean the surface first to remove dirt, and soil, then disinfect. This is important for several reasons:
- Regular cleaning products remove dirt and many germs, but disinfectants go further by killing a wider range of germs.
- Surfaces can carry germs even when they look clean.
- Germs can survive on surfaces for extended periods, sometimes hours or days.
What are the Steps for Effective Disinfection?
- Always read the product label to understand proper usage and storage instructions.
- Remove visible dirt before applying disinfectant.
- Apply disinfectant and keep the surface wet for the time specified on the label, called "contact time."
- If disinfecting items like toys or food-contact surfaces, rinse them with water after they air dry.
- Focus on frequently touched surfaces, especially if someone at home is sick.
- Dispose of disinfectant wipes after use. Do not flush any wipes that aren’t labeled as flushable.
Which Disinfectant Should You Choose?
When choosing a disinfectant, it’s important to recognize the different types available and their uses. Always look for the EPA Registration Number on the label to ensure the product meets government standards for effectiveness, and follow all instructions for safe and proper use. Common types of disinfectants include:
- Chlorine bleach: A powerful disinfectant that kills a wide range of germs when mixed and used according to label directions. It’s often used on hard, non-porous surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Disinfectant cleaners: These combination products both clean and disinfect, removing dirt while killing germs. They are convenient for everyday cleaning and are available in sprays, liquids, and wipes.
- Disinfectant sprays: Quick and easy to use, these sprays are designed to kill germs on hard surfaces. They can cover larger areas quickly and are useful for high-touch spots like doorknobs and countertops.
- Disinfectant wipes: Pre-moistened towelettes that make it simple to wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, remote controls, and phones. Dispose of wipes after use and do not flush unless labeled as flushable.
Is There Such a Thing as Cleaning Too Much or Over-Sanitizing?
Regular cleaning and disinfecting practices (especially high touch surfaces) is an important part of a holistic strategy to help reduce the spread of germs. It’s good idea to have a plan for using disinfectants efficiently and effectively, focusing on when and where they are needed most. There’s a time and place for cleaning, and a time and place for disinfection. and our Cleaning Levels Guide can help you determine the right amount of each for your home and family.
When Should Cleaning and Disinfecting Be Prioritized at Home?
Not all bacteria are bad and a spotless surface isn’t always germ-free. Prioritize frequent, targeted cleaning when and where harmful germs are most likely to spread—this is called targeted hygiene.
Key moments for cleaning include:
- Food prep: Wash hands and clean all utensils and surfaces before and after handling food.
- Bathroom use or diaper changes: Wash hands and keep these areas clean.
- Taking out trash: Wash hands and clean trash containers regularly.
- Frequently touched items: Clean things like phones, door handles, and light switches daily.
- Handling dirty laundry: Wash hands after touching laundry or moving clothes between washer and dryer.
- Caring for the sick: Be extra vigilant with cleaning and disinfecting shared spaces and surfaces.
How do you know if a product is actually disinfecting or just cleaning?
Look for a product that is registered with the EPA as a disinfectant and is not expired, then read and carefully follow the instructions. This includes leaving it wet for the contact time indicated on the label. Once this has been followed, you know the surface has been disinfected.
Last Updated: March 24, 2026