Cleaning
* Definition: The process of removing dirt, debris, and visible soil from surfaces. This involves using soap, water, and other cleaning agents to physically remove contaminants.
* Goal: To make surfaces visually clean and free of noticeable dirt and grime.
* Examples: Washing dishes, mopping floors, wiping down countertops.
Sanitizing
* Definition: The process of reducing the number of harmful microorganisms (like bacteria and viruses) on a surface to a safe level. This involves using specific sanitizing agents that kill or inhibit the growth of these microbes.
* Goal: To significantly reduce the risk of infection or disease transmission.
* Examples: Using bleach solution on surfaces, using a sanitizing spray, running dishes through a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle.
Hygiene
* Definition: Practices and conditions that contribute to maintaining health and preventing disease. It encompasses all aspects of personal cleanliness, food safety, and environmental sanitation.
* Goal: To protect individuals and communities from illness and promote overall well-being.
* Examples: Washing hands frequently, wearing clean clothes, proper food handling techniques, maintaining a clean home environment.
Key Differences
* Focus: Cleaning focuses on visible dirt, while sanitizing focuses on invisible microbes. Hygiene is the overarching concept encompassing both cleaning and sanitizing, as well as other health practices.
* Outcome: Cleaning results in a visually clean surface, while sanitizing significantly reduces the number of harmful microbes. Hygiene aims to promote overall health and prevent disease.
Important Note: Sanitizing does not always kill *all* microbes, and cleaning does not necessarily sanitize. Often, both are necessary for proper hygiene. For example, washing dishes removes visible food particles (cleaning), but then using a sanitizing rinse ensures the removal of harmful bacteria (sanitizing).