Cleaning vs Disinfecting: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)?

In busy environments—healthcare, education, hospitality, public transport, and everywhere in between—surface hygiene often gets reduced to one word: “clean.” But cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing, and treating them as interchangeable can leave gaps in your hygiene routine.

At Siqura, we’re about supporting healthier environments that help people feel more secure—with clear, factual guidance you can actually use.

What cleaning does

Cleaning is the process of removing dirt, germs, and impurities from surfaces or objects. It’s about physically lifting and carrying away contamination—think fats, oils, residues, and everyday grime.

In many settings, cleaning can be done with:

• A neutral detergent

• Water

• The right technique (coverage, contact, friction, and fresh cloths/mops)
  

Cleaning matters because it helps reduce the overall “soil load” on a surface—making the next step more effective.

What disinfecting does

Disinfecting is about killing germs (including specific microorganisms) on surfaces and objects using products that have been tested to demonstrate performance.

In regulated markets, disinfectants typically contain one or more active ingredients (for example, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds) and are assessed against recognised standards to confirm they work as intended.

A key point: most cleaners are not disinfectants. So if your goal is disinfection, you need a product that is specifically formulated and tested for that purpose.

When to do both (and in what order)

In higher-risk situations, good practice is often a two-step approach:

1. Clean first with a neutral detergent

2. Follow with a disinfectant that is effective against the relevant microorganisms (including viruses, where required)

Why? Because disinfectants perform best when they’re applied to a surface that has already had grime and residues removed. Cleaning sets the stage; disinfecting delivers the kill step.

What are Single Step Cleaner Disinfectant?

Great question. Check our our article on Cleaner Disinfectants to discover how single-step cleaner disinfectants can increase efficiency and where to use them.

Building a routine that supports secure spaces

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Cleaning supports ongoing hygiene by removing contamination.

• Disinfecting supports infection control by reducing microorganisms left behind.

• Consistency and technique (coverage, contact time, and correct application) are what make routines reliable in real-world settings.
  

And because hygiene is highly regulated and environment-dependent, Siqura’s approach is always to be transparent and factual—without over-promising.

If you’re reviewing your cleaning protocol—or training teams on the difference between cleaning and disinfecting—Siqura can help you align product selection and process to the needs of your site. Contact Siqura to talk through the right cleaning and disinfecting workflow for your environment.

Always use biocides safely and always read and follow product label and safety instructions.