DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCES | SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH deohs.washington.edu Proper cleaning and disinfecting are important for reducing the spread of infectious disease. This fact sheet provides best practices for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces to prevent the spread of disease while minimizing harmful chemical exposures. These practices focus on the workplace, however they can be applied in any setting. Consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety for the most current information. Photo: iStockphoto.com/Tatomm Safer Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Strategies to Prevent Infection Transmission Why are we talking about safer practices? Hazardous chemicals are common in cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products. People using these products, and people in the spaces where they are used, can get sick or develop illnesses, including asthma. Others harm reproductive health or may cause cancer if too much exposure occurs. Some damage skin or other body systems. For example, custodians using cleaning products and disinfectants may suffer from work-related asthma due to exposure on the job. Safer options are available. Look for Safer Choice, Green Seal®, Ecologo® and Design for the Environment (DfE) labels on products. Key Terms Cleaner Removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Works by using soap/detergent, water and friction to physically remove dirt and germs from surfaces. Cleaning before disinfecting reduces spreading infection more than disinfecting alone. Sanitizer Reduces germs on surfaces to levels considered safe for public health (usually 99.99%). Products must be EPA registered. Disinfectant Destroys almost all infectious germs, when used as the label directs on a surface. No effect on dirt, soil, or dust. Should be used where required by law, in high-risk and high-touch areas, or in case of infectious disease. Products must be EPA registered. These labels are on environmentally preferable cleaning products and disinfectants that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment. These labels have strict requirements and can help you avoid chemicals that have negative impacts. !  Remember: When possible for handwashing and cleaning surfaces, using soap and water is always the best option.