Definitions: decontaminate, dust, clean, disinfect, sanitize, sterilize

Do you know the differences between these terms: Decontaminate, dust, clean, disinfect, sanitize, sterilize?

Here is a small dictionary of these terms explained in simple terms.

Decontaminate 

Decontamination is used for deep cleaning, removing waste, excess dirt, and soiled objects before effectively cleaning. It involves decontaminating a space and making it safe, for example, during a disaster.

Dust

Removes dust from surfaces only. It does not clean fingerprints, for example.

You can use a microfiber duster, a vacuum cleaner, or even a dry cloth to accomplish this task.

To clean

Cleaning aims to remove greasy, dirty deposits from a surface. Bacteria love dirt and stick to it, and cleaning will dislodge most of the dirt and bacteria. Cleaning is done using soap or cleaner and water. There are a variety of cleaning accessories and equipment, such as

• the washing machine,
• a flat washing system or a floor scrubber,
• a pressure washer
• A washing machine for clothes
• The carpet extractor
• And many other equipment

Disinfect

Disinfection will kill a large number of microorganisms without actually reaching zero. It helps reduce microbial contamination, however, some activity may remain. Disinfection is used primarily for prevention. Disinfection is carried out After having cleaned the surface. Disinfection will be carried out in a medical environment or even in public spaces.

Disinfection could be carried out, for example, with a cloth and a disinfectant or alcohol product, or an electrostatic sprayer after cleaning the surface, for example. Be careful, not all disinfectants can be used anywhere. I suggest you consult the list of government-approved disinfectants and cleanerst. Each disinfectant must list the bacteria it can kill. This must be checked before using a disinfectant.

Clean up

The goal of sanitation is to reduce the number of bacteria on a surface to an acceptable level. Sanitation is practiced in a food area using the HACCP standard. This could be in a food factory, a hotel, or a restaurant.

Chemical sanitation is carried out using a sanitizing product approved for the food industry. Here is a reference list of construction materials, packaging and chemical products.

According to the MAPAQ, thermal sanitation is a method to destroy microorganisms. Thermal sanitation must respect this data: The water temperature must be at least 77°C for 30 seconds or moreat least 82°C.

Sterilize

Sterilized equipment is an object that is free of any living microorganisms or viruses. It is either sterile or it is not; there can be no intermediate state. This can be achieved through three processes:

• • Thermal action (high temperature)
  • Using gas such as hydrogen peroxide gas
  • The use of ozone or ethylene oxide

In the case of all actions involving the use of the chemical product, these conditions must be respected.

THE Sinner's Circle explains these concepts well.

• The concentration recommended by the manufacturer. To learn how to properly dilute the product, refer to this article on the dilution of products.
• recommended use
• the water temperature
• contact time
• the need to rinse or not the surface or material.

These definitions are just some basic information, we suggest you follow a basic training in housekeeping and sanitation to find out a little more.