What is the main difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

The primary distinction between cleaning and sanitizing lies in their specific purposes and outcomes. Cleaning is the process that removes visible dirt, grime, and debris from surfaces, utilizing soap or detergent and water. This step is essential for maintaining cleanliness and preventing any buildup that could harbor bacteria or other contaminants.

On the other hand, sanitizing is a process that specifically targets pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, reducing their numbers to safe levels as defined by public health standards. This is crucial in food safety, as it minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses. Sanitizers may not necessarily clean surfaces in the same way cleaning agents do; their focus is strictly on pathogen reduction.

Understanding this distinction is vital for effective food safety practices, as a surface must be cleaned before it can be sanitized. If a surface is not cleaned properly first, sanitizers may not be effective in achieving their goal of eliminating harmful microorganisms.