Cleaners vs. Disinfectants (and why both matter during a pandemic)

What is a cleaner and what is a disinfectant? Here’s an overview of the two terms and why having both products is useful in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cleaners vs. Disinfectants 

Per the CDC's overview - cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning doesn't kill germs but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. 

Disinfecting, however, refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process doesn't necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can lower the risk of spreading infection.

Our current products are cleaners, not disinfectants. Basically - if your home is clear of COVID-19, regular cleaning is recommended. Disinfect as necessary, on things like doorknobs/light switches, if you have new people enter your environment or at-risk people there.

Our All-Purpose Home Cleaner is just what it says it is - a cleaner, not a disinfectant. If you are looking for a surface spray with added anti-viral properties (spray and walk away), this cleaner will not do that. 

How does a cleaner help with COVID-19?

Removing dirt and grime from surfaces does its part to help. Using a disinfectant will kill germs on the surface. If the surface is covered in oils, dust, etc, then the disinfectant will only kill the germs on the surface of those oils and such. A thorough cleaning would need the removal of all grime. 

Do you need to use an additional anti-viral solution to clean your surfaces? That is a personal decision you'll have to make, based on your level of comfort and the information from the CDC.

We feel obligated to inform you that our products do not kill viruses, bacteria or fungi and we're trying really hard to make sure we're not mixing this up/misleading people - but we still want to give an overview on the differences/why they're both needed right now.

What about finding a disinfectant?

If you are in need of a disinfectant, we recommend looking for ingredients of a 75%+ isopropyl or 80%+ ethyl alcohol or the EPA-registered equivalents. We DO NOT recommend that you purchase disinfectants with essential oil blends in them in place of these disinfectant options.

What if our home is compromised?

Things get MUCH more serious if someone in the house has coronavirus. Refer to the CDC site above for details when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting.

In particular, for laundry care during these crazy times: regular rules apply to unaffected homes. But if you’re washing an infected person's items, the hottest water possible is suggested. Do not mix their laundry with the rest of the house.

(And above all else: please keep washing your hands, everyone!)