To begin with, sanitizers reduce the number of viruses, bacteria, and other types of microbes on a surface, and disinfectants kill most of them. Disinfectants contain chemicals like hydrogen peroxide that disinfect an object or surface by generating destructive free radicals that attack cell components.
Fremont, CA: Disinfecting and sanitizing are words with two different meanings. But, people often mistakenly use these two words interchangeably. Therefore, it is important to know what people are using.
To begin with, sanitizers reduce the number of viruses, bacteria, and other types of microbes on a surface, and disinfectants kill most of them. Disinfectants contain chemicals like hydrogen peroxide that disinfect an object or surface by generating destructive free radicals that attack cell components.
On the other hand, Sanitizers, especially chlorine and QUAT (quaternary ammonium compounds) based sanitizers, simply decrease the number of germs on a surface. This may not destroy them. However, it can still help stop the spread of illness. Because for each disease, there is a particular number of germs — called the dose of exposure — one needs to be in contact with so as to become sick. Sanitizers help reduce the infection risk by reducing the total number of germs on a surface or object.
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Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Several studies show that SARS-CoV-2 may remain active on surfaces for hours to days on the basis of the type of surface.
As per The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best practice to stop the spread of COVID-19 in community settings and households is to first clean surfaces that are visibly dirty and then disinfect them. Cleaning can be done by simply wiping the surface down with a cloth or sanitizing it.
What Is Hand Sanitizer?
The primary base of hand sanitizers is alcohol, which is a surface disinfectant. Hence, the name hand "sanitizer" is a bit of a loose term since it is technically a disinfectant. Even though hand sanitizer is effective against SARS-CoV-2, washing hands with soap and water is suggested best practice for protection against the coronavirus and also other germs, as per the CDC.
