Cleaning vs Disinfecting vs Sanitising — What's the Difference?
Cleaning removes visible dirt, debris and organic matter — it does not necessarily kill germs. Disinfecting kills bacteria, viruses and fungi on a surface — it does not necessarily clean. Sanitising reduces microbial contamination to a safe level (typically 99.9% reduction). Effective hygiene usually requires cleaning first, then disinfecting or sanitising.
Industrial cleaning chemical types: detergents/degreasers (remove oil, grease, organic matter); disinfectants (quaternary ammonium, hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide — kill pathogens); sanitisers (food-safe pathogen reduction); solvents (dissolve organic compounds, resins, adhesives); acid cleaners (scale, mineral deposits, rust); alkaline cleaners (fats, oils, proteins).
SDS (Safety Data Sheets) must be on file for all industrial cleaning chemicals. PPE requirements vary by chemical: gloves, eye protection, respirator where vapours are present. Ensure adequate ventilation. Never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners — produces toxic chloramine gas.
CRC cleaning products stocked at AIMS: CRC Contact Cleaner, CRC Brakleen, CRC Heavy Duty Degreaser, CRC QD Electronic Cleaner. AIMS stocks degreasers, surface cleaners, and specialty industrial cleaning chemicals.
People Also Ask — Quick Guide to Cleaning Agents
Q: What is the difference between a cleaner and a degreaser?
A cleaner removes general soiling — dirt, dust, and water-soluble contaminants — typically using surfactants and water. A degreaser removes oils, greases, fuels, and hydrocarbon contamination using stronger solvents or high-alkalinity chemistry. In many industrial applications you need both: degrease first, then clean. Using a mild cleaner on heavy grease is ineffective; using a harsh degreaser on light soiling wastes product and increases hazard exposure.
Q: What is the best product for cleaning concrete workshop floors?
For concrete floors with oil and grease contamination, an alkaline degreaser (pH 11–13) diluted in warm water is most effective — apply, agitate with a stiff brush or floor scrubber, allow dwell time (5–15 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Heavy contamination may require a solvent-based degreaser first. Avoid acid cleaners on bare concrete as they etch the surface and accelerate wear.
Q: How do I safely use solvent-based cleaners in a workshop?
Ensure adequate ventilation — natural airflow or forced extraction to keep vapour concentrations below the TLV (threshold limit value, found on the SDS). Use nitrile gloves and chemical splash goggles; solvent contact with skin removes protective oils and can cause dermatitis. Store solvents in approved flammable-liquids cabinets away from ignition sources. Never use in enclosed spaces without respiratory protection.
Q: Can I mix cleaning chemicals to make them more effective?
Never mix cleaning chemicals unless the product label specifically states they are compatible. Mixing bleach (sodium hypochlorite) with acid-based cleaners releases chlorine gas — toxic, even at low concentrations. Mixing bleach with ammonia produces chloramine vapours. Mixing different brands of the same product type (e.g., two degreasers) can cause unpredictable reactions. Always read the SDS for incompatibility warnings before combining any products.
