Keeping a clean home is important for your comfort and health—but in a world where bacteria, viruses, and allergens are always around us, is cleaning enough, or do we also need to disinfect? Understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is crucial to maintaining a truly healthy and safe home environment.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The difference between cleaning and disinfecting
- Why disinfecting is important
- When cleaning is enough
- How to effectively disinfect your home room by room
- Tips for safe and efficient disinfection
Let’s dive in.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, cleaning and disinfecting are not the same. Each plays a specific role in reducing germs and improving household hygiene.
1. Cleaning
Cleaning involves removing dirt, dust, food residues, and other debris from surfaces. This process usually uses soap or detergent and water to physically wipe away grime. While cleaning improves the appearance of a surface and may remove some germs, it doesn’t kill bacteria or viruses.
2. Disinfecting
Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves using chemical solutions to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfectants target microscopic pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi, reducing the risk of spreading illness.
Which One Do You Need?
You need both. Cleaning removes visible dirt so that disinfectants can effectively reach and destroy pathogens. If you disinfect without cleaning first, the presence of grime can reduce a disinfectant’s effectiveness.
Why Is Disinfecting Important?
Disinfection plays a critical role in preventing illness, especially in homes with:
- Children or elderly people
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Pets
- High-traffic areas or frequent guests
Many viruses (such as influenza, norovirus, and even coronaviruses) can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. Without disinfection, these viruses can transfer easily between household members.
During flu season, after someone in the house has been sick, or following exposure to outside environments (like after travel), disinfecting becomes essential.
When Is Cleaning Enough?
Not every situation requires full disinfection. In day-to-day situations, routine cleaning may be sufficient in lower-risk areas such as:
- Bedrooms (when no illness is present)
- Living rooms without frequent guests
- Low-touch surfaces (e.g., walls, ceilings)
However, high-touch surfaces—like door handles, remotes, toilet flush buttons, kitchen counters, and light switches—should still be disinfected regularly, especially in shared spaces.
How to Disinfect Your House Properly
Disinfecting your house doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be thorough. Here’s a room-by-room guide to ensure you’re covering all the key areas.
1. Entryways and Hallways
These areas are the first point of contact from the outside world.
Focus Areas:
- Doorknobs and locks
- Light switches
- Shoe racks or mats
Tips:
- Use a disinfecting spray or wipe on doorknobs daily.
- Consider setting up a “sanitising station” at the door with hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes.
2. Living Room
This space is shared by everyone, making it a hotspot for germs.
Focus Areas:
- Remote controls
- Coffee tables
- Switches and electronics
- Armrests on sofas
Tips:
- Use alcohol-based wipes (at least 70% isopropyl alcohol) for remotes and electronic devices.
- Vacuum carpets and couches regularly, then use fabric-safe disinfectant sprays.
3. Kitchen
The kitchen is both a food prep area and a germ-prone zone due to frequent hand contact and raw food.
Focus Areas:
- Countertops
- Cutting boards
- Fridge handles
- Cabinet knobs
- Sink and tap handles
Tips:
- Use food-safe disinfectants on countertops.
- Replace sponges regularly and disinfect them in the microwave or dishwasher.
- Always disinfect surfaces after handling raw meat or fish.
4. Bathrooms
Bathrooms need the most frequent disinfection due to moisture and human waste.
Focus Areas:
- Toilet seats, handles, and lids
- Sink faucets
- Shower knobs
- Toothbrush holders
- Towel holders and light switches
Tips:
- Use bleach-based disinfectants or commercial bathroom disinfectants weekly.
- Ventilate the room after disinfecting to reduce fumes.
- Wash towels regularly with hot water.
5. Bedrooms
While bedrooms might seem like a low-risk zone, they still require some disinfecting.
Focus Areas:
- Nightstand surfaces
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Phones and alarm clocks
Tips:
- Wash bedding in hot water (above 60°C) weekly.
- Disinfect light switches and handles, especially during flu season.
- Keep electronics clean with alcohol wipes.
6. Laundry Room
Dirty laundry can harbour bacteria, especially clothes worn outside.
Focus Areas:
- Washing machine buttons and lids
- Laundry baskets
- Detergent drawer
Tips:
- Disinfect the washing machine drum monthly with hot water and vinegar or a washer cleaner.
- Clean laundry baskets with a disinfecting spray.
Disinfection Best Practices
Here are some general tips to make your disinfection routine effective and safe:
1. Choose the Right Products
Use EPA-approved or TGA-listed disinfectants with proven effectiveness against bacteria and viruses. Some common options include:
- Bleach solution (1/3 cup of bleach per 4 litres of water)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and contact time.
2. Wear Protective Gear
When using strong disinfectants, wear:
- Gloves
- Masks (for chemical sensitivity)
- Protective glasses (if there’s risk of splashing)
3. Ventilate the Area
Open windows and doors to reduce fume buildup when using products like bleach.
4. Let Surfaces Air Dry
Don’t wipe off the disinfectant immediately. Let it sit for the recommended contact time (usually 5–10 minutes) to ensure maximum effectiveness.
5. Avoid Mixing Chemicals
Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar—it can produce toxic gases.
6. Keep It Out of Children’s Reach
Store disinfectants in a secure place to avoid accidental poisoning.
Natural Disinfectant Alternatives
If you prefer natural solutions, consider:
- White vinegar: Has antibacterial properties, though not as effective as bleach.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A powerful but safe disinfectant.
- Essential oils: Tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender have mild antimicrobial properties.
Note: Natural options may not meet hospital-grade disinfecting standards. Use them for maintenance, not after illness exposure.
How Often Should You Disinfect?
Here’s a quick guide:
- Daily: High-touch surfaces (doorknobs, phones, remotes)
- Weekly: Kitchen surfaces, bathroom fixtures, floors
- After illness or exposure: Whole-room disinfection, including bedding and laundry
Conclusion: Is Cleaning Enough?
Cleaning is a great start—but it’s not enough if you want to kill germs. For a truly safe and healthy home, you need a two-step process: clean first to remove dirt, then disinfect to eliminate harmful microorganisms.
With a well-thought-out cleaning and disinfecting routine, you can reduce the risk of illness, protect vulnerable family members, and enjoy a cleaner, safer living space every day.
Remember: You don’t need to turn your home into a hospital, but incorporating disinfection into your regular routine—especially in key areas—will go a long way in keeping your family safe and healthy.
If you’d like a printable checklist for room-by-room disinfection or need help finding the right disinfecting products, feel free to reach out to Enjoy Life Services! For all types of office, commercial or domestic cleaning and maintenance, give them a call. They’ll send their professional cleaners to your home or workplace to clean, so you don’t have to.
