The Difference Between Sanitization and Disinfection

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Pathogens can cause sickness when people are exposed to them. The best way to prevent this is to either sanitize or disinfect.

In our current time many people are frantically searching for any way to stay safe and healthy. In some ways this is a good thing. However, stockpiling hand sanitizer is not necessarily the best thing to do, nor economical with inflation hitting many products such as N-95 masks, bulk sanitizer, and even toilet paper.

While the terms sanitization and disinfection are often used interchangeably there are some key differences to note. Sanitizing in general is going to be a less harsh or invasive cleaning which will target common areas such as countertops, doorknobs, and appliances. The goal with sanitization is merely to lower the germ count. However, in the case of disinfection there is a more comprehensive and overall cleaning which targets to kill almost 100% of the germs within a residence.

Based on this information one should know the difference between the two and decide on which is right for them. Both have their benefits. Sanitization is going to be cheaper and quicker whereas complete disinfection can be more costly and take more time. Depending on the situation and one’s personal preferences sanitization or disinfection can both be viable options. An additional thing to consider is that a sanitization or even disinfection will only kill pathogens at the time of cleaning. As soon as another person enters the building, there is a chance for recontamination. Therefore, this is one other aspect to consider. In order to prevent this property owners should take extra precautions with spot cleaning and screening procedures at the entrance to limit this risk.

If you find yourself in a scenario where you would like sanitization or disinfection for your home, commercial space, or school give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Santa Clarita Biohazard Cleanup - Serious Work

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

Biohazard Cleanup Services from SERVPRO Santa Clarita Valley 

If you thought cleaning was difficult, imagine cleaning up biohazard waste. This really does take cleaning up a notch. It is not just dust bunnies and smudges on mirrors, biohazard cleanup entails sewage, crime scene, or even harmful residue cleanup. In order to safely and effectively cleanup these kinds of messes, it requires some serious work. If you are in or near the Santa Clarita area, contact SERVPRO to do the dirty work.

Sewage Cleanup Services 

Sewage backups happen. When they happen, they can leave quite an unpleasant mess--a biohazard mess that needs to be cleaned up by professionals like SERVPRO cleaning services. Sewage not only smells rank but the microorganisms themselves are harmful to the inappropriate locations they have been deposited at. Cleaning and restoration experts know how to remove the sewage and contain it. Furthermore, they know the proper methods to cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the facility. As soon as the sewage backup and mess are noticed it is best to contact a cleaning specialist right away so that the environment does not remain unhealthy for much longer.

Crime Scene Cleaning Services 

Another type of serious cleanup that reaches the biohazard status is a crime or the scene of a traumatic accident. When bodily fluids and/or tissues are exposed or present at a scene, it can be very uncomfortable. It is not healthy for the blood borne pathogens to be present in this state. The potentially pathogenic substances at the scene need to be cleaned up in a professional manner. There is more to it than just scrubbing--safety precautions need to be made so that the facility can be deemed sanitary once again. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know how to clean, disinfect, and deodorize the facility.

Illegal Drug Manufacturing Cleanup 

Another common biohazard site to clean up are locations where illegal drugs are produced. This has biohazard written all over it. For those in the Santa Clarita Valley, there are professionals who know how to clean up these biohazard sites by following federal and state guidelines to effectively and thoroughly clean the surfaces where such activities had taken place. Methamphetamines are an example of an illegal drug that people create in a room or a home or garage. In order for that structure to not be condemned afterward, an expert cleanup company needs to come in and make it not a toxic place once again.

Don't Chance It, Use SERVPRO Santa Clarita Valley Professional Cleaners

You might be thinking to yourself, "Well okay that sounds like serious work but anyone could do that." And the correct response is, "No, not just anyone can clean up biohazard waste and deemed biohazard sites." For legal and liability matters alone, it is best to have a professional team come in and clean up a mess at this magnitude. Many times in these cases, the law is involved. Federal and California state standards, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA), need to be met when cleaning up biohazard sites.