The Difference Between Sanitizing And Sterilizing

Many people wonder about the difference between sanitizing and sterilizing. Both processes are crucial for reducing germs, but they serve different purposes. 

Sanitizing reduces the number of bacteria on surfaces to safe levels, while sterilizing aims to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi. 

This article will explore these two processes in detail, helping you understand when and where each method should be used.

Understanding Sanitizing

What is Sanitizing? It is a process that reduces the number of bacteria on surfaces to levels considered safe by public health standards. It’s commonly used in kitchens, restaurants, and anywhere food is prepared or consumed. The goal of sanitizing is not to kill all microbes but to decrease their numbers to prevent the spread of disease. 

For a sanitizer to be effective, it must reduce bacteria on a surface by 99.9%. This level of cleanliness is usually sufficient for general public spaces where more intensive sterilization isn’t necessary.

Understanding Sterilizing

What is Sterilizing? It goes beyond sanitizing by eliminating all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This process is crucial in environments where sterility is essential, such as hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare settings. 

Sterilization ensures that surgical instruments, laboratory equipment, and other medical tools are free of any microbes that could cause infections. Various methods, including heat, chemicals, and radiation, are used to achieve sterilization, depending on the objects being sterilized and the specific requirements of the medical or scientific environment.

The Science Behind the Processes

The effectiveness of sanitizing and sterilizing is often measured by the “log kill rate.” This term refers to reducing the number of bacteria or pathogens on a surface after treatment. For instance, a “1-log kill” reduces the number of bacteria by 90%, resulting in a significant decrease but not complete elimination. In contrast, higher log kills, like a “6-log kill,” reduce the bacteria count to nearly zero, achieving a 99.9999% reduction.

• Sanitizing typically achieves a lower log kill rate because it reduces bacteria to safe levels rather than eliminating them. This is sufficient for everyday environments where the risk of infection is lower.
• Sterilizing, on the other hand, targets a higher log kill rate, essential in medical settings where even a single microbe could pose a serious health risk.

These scientific principles help clarify why different settings require different cleanliness levels and the methods appropriate for each.

Practical Applications and When to Use Each

Knowing when to sanitize versus sterilize is crucial for effective cleaning and maintaining health standards. Here’s a practical guide to help you decide which method to use:

Sanitizing:

• • • Where to Use: It is ideal for places where food is handled, such as kitchens, dining areas, and food processing plants. It’s also suitable for children’s play areas, where a safe level of germ reduction is necessary, but sterilization is not feasible.
    • Frequency: Regular sanitizing is recommended in daily or frequent routines, especially in high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom fixtures.

Sterilizing:

• • Where to Use: Necessary in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and dental offices, where surgical tools and medical instruments require absolute sterility to prevent infections. Laboratories that handle sensitive cultures or pharmaceutical products also require sterilization.
  • Frequency: Sterilization is performed less frequently than sanitizing but is crucial before surgical procedures or in preparing sterile laboratory environments.

Each method has its place, and choosing it correctly can prevent the spread of infections in different environments. Sanitizing offers practical cleanliness for everyday use, while sterilizing provides a higher level of germ control where it is critical.

Products and Regulatory Standards

Choosing the right products for sanitizing and sterilizing is essential to achieving the desired cleanliness level. Both types of products come with specific guidelines and regulatory standards:

• Sanitizing Products:
  • Types: Common sanitizers include chlorine bleach solutions and alcohol-based products designed to reduce bacteria on surfaces.
  • Regulatory Standards: In the United States, sanitizers must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet safety and effectiveness standards. Products should be used according to label instructions to achieve the proper bacteria reduction rate.
• Sterilizing Products:
  • Types: Sterilizing agents often include more potent chemicals such as glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and ethylene oxide or physical methods like steam under pressure (autoclaving) and UV light.
  • Regulatory Standards: Sterilizing products and equipment also require EPA registration, and in medical settings, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves sterilization products to ensure they are safe and effective for medical use.

When using chemical sanitizers or sterilizers, following the manufacturer’s directions regarding dilution, application, and contact time is crucial to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. Proper training in handling and applying these chemicals is also vital to prevent harm to humans or damage to surfaces being treated.

Safety and Best Practices

When using products for sanitizing and sterilizing, it is crucial to prioritize safety and stick to best practices to protect yourself and others:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear suitable protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, especially when handling strong chemical disinfectants and sterilants. This helps prevent skin burns, respiratory issues, and other health risks.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure the area is well-ventilated. Using fans and open windows can help disperse chemical vapors, reducing the risk of inhalation.
• Follow Product Instructions: Carefully read and follow all manufacturer instructions for proper use. This includes adhering to recommended dilution ratios, application methods, and contact times to ensure effectiveness and safety.
• Safe Storage: Keep all chemicals in original containers with labels intact and securely close caps after each use. Store chemicals in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal Considerations: To prevent environmental damage and health hazards, dispose of waste materials or used chemicals according to local regulations.

Implementing these safety measures can help ensure that cleaning, sanitizing, and sterilizing activities are performed effectively and safely, minimizing risks to users and others in the environment.

Sanitizing Vs. Sterilizing: Summary

The differences between sanitizing and sterilizing are essential for maintaining a clean and safe environment, whether at home, in public spaces, or medical settings. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Sanitizing reduces bacteria to safe levels and is generally sufficient for non-medical environments like homes and restaurants. It helps control the spread of common bacteria and maintain general hygiene.
• Sterilizing eliminates all forms of microbial life and is critical in environments where sterility is a must, such as in surgical areas, certain laboratory settings, and any place where invasive procedures are performed.
• Safety Practices: Whether sanitizing or sterilizing, it’s crucial to use the right products and follow safety guidelines to protect personal health and the environment from chemical exposure.

By choosing the appropriate method and following best practices, you can effectively manage microbial growth and ensure a clean and healthy environment. The right knowledge and tools are your best defense against the spread of infectious diseases.