What's the Difference Between Disinfectants and Sanitizers?

The difference between these two products that may surprise you!

What's the Difference Between Disinfectants and Sanitizers?

What is the difference between a disinfectant and a sanitizer? It's an easy question to answer, though the answer may not always seem clear. Both disinfectants and sanitizers are used in the medical industry as a way of killing bacteria, viruses, fungi or other microorganisms. However, there is a difference between these two products that may surprise you!

Below we discuss the differences between these two cleaning products so you can make an informed decision about which to use for your needs!

A woman using a disinfectant wipe on a door knob.

What is a Disinfectant?

A disinfectant is a cleaning agent that kills disease-causing germs. They are typically used on surfaces, but they may be applied to skin or other types of objects as well.

Disinfectants have many more uses than just being applied to skin and other surfaces! They may be used to clean toys, doorknobs, bathrooms and other areas in your home. Disinfectants are typically applied when you want to kill harmful germs that can cause disease. You may want to use a disinfectant on surfaces that have been exposed to these germs, or for objects where you cannot wash with water first before using it. A significant difference is that disinfectants are able to kill viruses, unlike many other solutions.

A man using hand sanitizer

What is a Sanitizer?

A sanitizer is a cleaning agent that kills germs on contact. They are typically applied to skin or objects, and not surfaces. In some cases they can be used in conjunction with other products for disinfecting purposes.

A sanitizer is meant as an alternative cleaning option when washing your hands or objects is not possible beforehand. It should only be applied to skin or non-porous objects that cannot be rinsed with water first. Sanitizers kill bacteria on surfaces using chemicals and are not intended to kill viruses.

A bottle of disinfectant spray beside a bottle of sanitizer.

So, What is the Difference Between The Two?

The main difference between a disinfectant and sanitizer is the location they are used. A surface disinfectant can be applied to surfaces, while hand sanitizers will need to be applied directly to hands or objects that cannot be washed with water first. Disinfectants compared to sanitizers must also have different types of active ingredients depending on if they are being applied to a surface or hands.

In summary, a disinfectant is a cleaning agent that kills disease-causing germs by coming into contact with them. It may be used on surfaces or objects, but not skin. A sanitizer is also a type of cleanser that works to kill germs on contact and can only be applied directly to hands or objects like phones without prior rinsing. A disinfectant can be used on surfaces or objects, while a sanitizer is only suitable for use on hands or non-porous objects that cannot be rinsed with water first.

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