"Sanitize" vs "disinfect": navigating the language of clean
Reviewed and edited by
Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 13:25
English.me team member
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What is similar?
Both terms refer to cleaning processes that remove or kill germs to make environments safer.
What is different?
Sanitize typically reduces the number of germs to a safe level as judged by public health standards, while disinfect refers to the process of killing nearly all of the germs on surfaces.
Which one is more common?
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Examples of usage
Sanitize- Please sanitize the kitchen counter before preparing food.
- You should sanitize your hands after using the restroom.
- The daycare has strict rules to sanitize toys regularly.
- We need to disinfect the hospital rooms to prevent the spread of infection.
- Use bleach to disinfect surfaces that may carry bacteria.
- The lab technician made sure to disinfect all the equipment after use.