The Science of Cleaning
It can be easy to think that the science behind cleaning is complicated, but it’s not. Today we’re going to simplify it.
Put simply, science involves experimentation and observation, which both lead to evidence. Fortunately for us, there is a lot of science based evidence already in existence. We just have look for it.
But first, it’s important to understand that there is a big difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting.
Cleaning simply means removing debris, dust and dirt from surfaces, but it doesn’t necessarily kill harmful germs. Sanitizing ‘reduces’ bacteria, provided the product you're using has the ability to do so. And disinfecting is the process of actually killing or destroying bacteria.
But there are also different types of disinfectants. Some meant for household use have a limited range and are only designed to kill specific microorganisms...while others like hospital grade disinfectants are designed to attack and kill more harmful pathogens.
You and I can probably agree that cleaning is the easy part, and for me it’s the fun part. But how do we know we are disinfecting properly? To break that down further, let’s talk about two common disinfectants, and their limits.
First up is bleach...specifically household chlorine bleach. There are a variety of brands available, but just know that not all brands of bleach are created equal. So look at the label!
For the purpose of disinfecting common household and commercial settings, you’re looking for a product that contains 5-7% sodium hypochlorite, which is the disinfecting ingredient in bleach products. Then you’ll see the other 93-95% is simply labeled as ‘other ingredients.’
But where the science of disinfecting comes in, is in the ratio used, and in the dwell time. Some people might say to use one cup of bleach to one gallon of water, but we have to ask...what is the intended purpose of that ratio? And what dwell time is required, with that ratio, to effectively destroy the pathogens; or in other words, disinfect that surface properly?
When used correctly, bleach can kill mildew, some molds, flus like COVID, salmonella and e. coli, just to name a few. But it’s all in the ratio and dwell time...and some surfaces will need to be wiped or scrubbed for the bleach to do its job.
And a warning, NEVER mix bleach with any other chemical. Protect your skin and clothes from contact, and ALWAYS wear a mask when using it.
Next up are common disinfectant sprays, like Lysol. I personally use Lysol, but like other disinfectants you have to know how and when to use it, in order to disinfect properly. You can use it on things like door knobs, faucet handles, TV remotes, and light switches...but it’s actually useful for way more than just common touch points. For example, it can also help control mold and mildew.
With a spray product like this, there isn’t any worrying about ratios per say, since it is a premixed product. But you have to understand the dwell times. And did you know that Lysol even identifies these dwell times on the label itself? For instance...for mold, mildew and common germs, the surface needs to stay wet for at least 3 minutes. But when you’re trying to kill a virus, it needs to stay wet for at least 10 minutes.
Most probably think that a light mist of this product does the trick, but depending on the goal, more might be required. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad product, it just means you need to know how to use it for it to work properly. And as with bleach, there are hazards, so be sure to read the warning labels.
In review, the science of cleaning is knowing the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. And with so many things in our lives needing to be disinfected, you have to know which product to use, at what ratio, and understand the importance of dwell times. So whether you’re disinfecting toilets, clothing or your kitchen cutting boards...knowing the science behind the process is the key to doing the job correctly.
For more information about how I clean different surfaces, with science in mind, be sure to check out my online cleaning course. :-)
Happy cleaning!
