What is the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing in Melbourne?

Understanding the Distinctions in Commercial Cleaning Practices: Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing in Melbourne.

If you're living or working in Melbourne and care about keeping your space clean and safe, you've probably come across the terms cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. But what do they actually mean, and when should you use each one?

Whether you're a homeowner in Carlton, a café manager in Fitzroy, or managing a shared office space in Southbank, understanding the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing is key to maintaining hygiene, meeting local regulations, and preventing illness.

Let’s break it down clearly, with Melbourne in mind.

What Does Cleaning Mean?

Cleaning is the first and most basic step. It involves removing visible dirt, dust, and debris using soap or detergent and water.

It doesn’t kill germs, but it prepares surfaces for deeper treatment like disinfecting or sanitizing.

Melbourne example: At an office in Richmond, cleaning might mean vacuuming floors, dusting desks, and wiping down windows.

Best for:

• Kitchen benchtops in South Yarra homes

• Retail floors in Chapel Street stores

• Office desks in Docklands

  
  

What Does Disinfecting Mean?

Disinfecting goes a step further. It uses chemicals to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria on hard surfaces. Disinfection is especially important in healthcare, childcare, and high-touch public areas.

Melbourne example: A clinic in St Kilda disinfects door handles, chairs, and counters to follow Victorian Department of Health standards.

Best for:

• Medical centres and clinics across Melbourne

• Gym equipment in Brunswick

• Childcare centres in North Melbourne

  
  

What Does Sanitizing Mean?

Sanitizing reduces the number of germs to safe levels, based on public health guidelines. It’s essential in environments where food is prepared, or where young children play.

Melbourne example: A café in Collingwood regularly sanitizes its food prep areas to comply with FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand).

Best for:

• Restaurant tables on Lygon Street

• Toys in childcare centres across Melbourne

• Glassware in hospitality venues

  
  

Cleaning vs Disinfecting vs Sanitizing – Which Comes First?

If you're asking, "What comes first, cleaning or disinfecting?" The answer is simple: always clean first.

Cleaning removes dirt that can block disinfectants or sanitizers from doing their job. Here’s the typical order:

1. Clean – Remove dirt, grease, and debris

2. Disinfect – Kill germs (especially in healthcare or shared areas)

3. Sanitize – Make food or hand-contact surfaces safe

   
   

The 3 Key Steps of the Disinfection Process

Melbourne’s professional cleaners follow a step-by-step process to ensure surfaces are disinfected properly:

1. Pre-clean the surface using detergent

2. Apply disinfectant and let it sit (this is called "dwell time")

3. Wipe away or rinse off as per the product instructions

Pro tip: Only use disinfectants that are TGA-approved (Therapeutic Goods Administration), especially in healthcare or commercial settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, businesses and households in Melbourne can make these hygiene mistakes:

• Skipping cleaning before disinfecting

• Using a disinfectant that’s not food-safe

• Wiping disinfectants too soon (reduces effectiveness)

  
  

Local Regulations Matter

If you're running a business or facility in Melbourne, here’s what to know:

• Victorian Health Regulations: Strict cleaning and disinfection guidelines apply to medical, public, and aged care spaces.

• FSANZ Guidelines: All food-handling areas must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

• WorkSafe Victoria: Employers must ensure clean, hygienic, and safe workplaces.

  
  

Failing to comply can result in penalties or shutdowns during inspections.

Real Example: Cleaning a Shared Office in Melbourne

Let’s say you manage a co-working space near Southern Cross Station. Here’s a basic cleaning schedule:

• Clean: Wipe desks, vacuum carpets, and empty bins daily

• Disinfect: Shared surfaces like door handles, shared phones, and kitchen counters

• Sanitize: Lunchroom tables and any surfaces where food is handled

  
  

Whether it’s a daily task or a scheduled deep clean, using a professional cleaning service in Melbourne can ensure each step is done right.

Why Understanding This Matters in Melbourne

Melbourne has high standards for hygiene, especially in hospitality, healthcare, and commercial spaces.

Knowing the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing helps you:

• Avoid spreading illness

• Pass health and council inspections

• Keep staff, customers, or family members safe

Need Professional Help?

At CarePlus Cleaning Solutions, we provide:

• Commercial Cleaning

• Disinfection Services

• Food-Safe Sanitizing

• Medical Facility Cleaning

  
  

We're based in Melbourne and serve CBD, Camberwell, Fitzroy, Southbank, St Kilda, and surrounding suburbs.

If you’re looking for professional cleaners in Melbourne who understand both hygiene standards and local regulations,  we’re here to help.

Contact Us Now

FAQ: Difference between cleaning disinfecting and sanitizing

Q: What comes first: cleaning or disinfecting? 

A: Always clean first. Then disinfect or sanitize depending on the surface type and use.

Q: How to sanitize properly in Melbourne food businesses? 

A: Use a food-safe sanitizer, follow correct contact time, and rinse if needed. This is essential for cafés, restaurants, and caterers.

Q: What’s the difference between cleaning and sanitizing? 

A: Cleaning removes visible mess; sanitizing lowers germ levels to meet Food Safety Victoria standards.

Q: What is the proper disinfection process? 

A: Clean → Apply disinfectant (wait for dwell time) → Wipe off or rinse. Always use TGA-listed products.