Washing, disinfection, sterilization – how do these methods differ?

Care for hygiene, special care and proper protection are the foundation of common safety and health. Threat awareness mobilises responsibility and actions that are based on limiting the spread of dangerous pathogens in our environment and viruses. Preventive methods available, such as washing, disinfection and sterilization, contribute to inhibiting their development. What are the differences between them?

• Washing is an essential element of hygiene and the first step to remove dirt from surfaces, objects and hands. It is a method which effectiveness depends on maintaining the appropriate rules, which are influenced by: frequency, properties of the washing product, washing time and precision of movements.

When it comes to hand washing – you can do it effectively with soap and water or a selected gel or antibacterial liquid for at least 30 seconds.

• Disinfection aims to kill microbes and leads to
a significant reduction in their quantity. This method prevents transmission of pathogens. Correct disinfection of surfaces, objects or skin significantly reduces the likelihood of infection.

Hand disinfection using specialized preparations – gels and liquids, which are based on tested biocidal substances, while maintaining a minimum of a 30-second disinfection procedure ensures effective reduction of up to 99.99 percent of microorganisms.

• Sterilization leads to the killing of all microorganisms. It also allows you to remove spores, i.e. sporing bacteria and fungi that can survive in a hostile environment. The tools and instruments undergo this method.
An object is considered sterile if the probability of a microorganism occurrence on its surface is less than 1 to a million.