CLEANING

Cleaning physically removes dirt, dust, debris, some germs, and impurities from objects and surfaces.

Make objects and surfaces visibly clean.

Use soap or detergents with water to scrub, wash, and rinse.

SANITIZING

DISINFECTING

Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on objects and surfaces to levels considered safe by public health standards.

Lower germ levels and reduce risk.

Sanitizing sprays or mild bleach solutions.

Disinfecting kills most remaining germs, including many bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Killing germs can further lower the risk of spreading disease.

Use EPA-approved disinfecting product, disinfecting wipes or stronger bleach solutions.

Prevent the spread of infectious diseases.