Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. Disinfecting or sanitising refers to the use of chemicals to kill germs on touch points and surfaces. Cleaning doesn't kill germs, but can be helpful in their removal , thereby reducing the risk of spreading infection while disinfecting will not necessarily clean a surface, but is effective in spreading infection by killing germs.
Which should come first?
Always clean before you disinfect! If a surface is not cleaned first, germs can hide under soil and impurities and reduce the efficacy of disinfecting.
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