There is an important difference between Disinfecting and Sanitizing.

[maheshanchan]

With Covid-19 cases continuing to increase and the necessity of keeping things clean so that we can all be protected, I think its important that everyone understand the difference between Disinfecting and Sanitizing. I see people using disposable wipes in the grocery store aisles and on shopping carts and such but cleaning those surfaces in a way that provides very little actual protection.
In the US, a sanitizer is a product that kills 99.9% of bacteria within 30 seconds. This can have some effect on viruses and fungus as well depending on the product, but its effectiveness isn't assured for
those so check if a claim is made on the label. Things like hand sanitizer are fairly effective when used correctly.
In the US, a disinfectant kills 100% of the organisms it is designed for within 10 minutes. Most over the counter are general purpose and cover bacteria, viruses, and fungus but they take longer to work. For example, the popular and out of stock almost everywhere Clorox Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses with specific types listed. The CDC states that most EPA registered bleach or >70% alcohol based household cleaning products should be effective when used correctly. The big thing here is that products like Clorox wipes require the surface to be covered and wet for at least 4 minutes before wiping away.

 

[MMohammed]

Really helpful stuff here. It's a seemingly small distinction, but important!