The COVID-19 Disinfection Misconception

David Whan • 11 March 2021

In the mad dash to leave no stone unturned in the battle against COVID-19, businesses are quick to insist on disinfecting anything stood still in a work environment, and no doubt some things that aren’t. And yet a popular misconception exists, which misses the fact that routine cleaning is just as effective as disinfection in reducing the chances of passing on the COVID-19 virus.

Fundamentally, cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing. Even if you already know that, you might not understand why cleaning can be more effective, as businesses start the process of returning to work as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Disinfection: is the killing or inactivating of microorganisms and reducing them to an acceptable level
Cleaning: is removing dirt and the microorganisms it contains

Why is cleaning better than disinfecting?

Typically, we disinfect areas when clinical cleanliness is required, in welfare areas generally, in work environments such as healthcare, care homes and in the food industry. Most other environments, such as retail, offices or schools, we simply clean.

But under the threat of COVID-19, and with more vulnerable and ‘at risk’ people around, it is understandable that we seek to take the extra step in our hygiene controls, when actually we don’t need to.

There are two issues with automatically disinfecting areas to combat COVID-19 infection:

It is done for emotional reasons, not based on a rational prognosis or on a risk assessment of a suspected infection.
It is done incorrectly. You need to clean an area first and then disinfect. A lack of training in many cases leads to using disinfecting agents only (not disinfection) and missing areas on a surface or not leaving enough contact time for the substance to have the right effect.

So, the problem with disinfecting is that whilst it can kill viruses and microorganisms, this status only lasts until someone else touches that same surface, then it is infected again. Therefore, proper cleaning with normal detergent removes harmful levels of microorganisms, including virus particles. Over time, the rest will die out, so cleaning is more effective and offers more of a sense of security for an employer and their employees, if a formal system is introduced in the workplace.

The benefits of a good office cleaning regime

COVID-19 particles, and any viruses like it, cannot multiply on a surface, only bacteria can do that. Instead, COVID-19 needs a host to infect, i.e. a person. So, a dry surface maintained at room temperature will become a hostile environment to the virus, while it exists and isn’t picked up by someone. Therefore, in addition to social distancing and hand hygiene, an intensive cleaning of surfaces is sufficient. Personal discipline is the answer to combatting COVID-19, hence why employers are so keen to introduce such measures in to the workplace, in tandem with a strict routine cleaning regime, to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Call It’s Clean Ltd commercial cleaning in Harrogate, Leeds and York to discuss intensive cleaning of your work environment before your staff return to work, and about maintaining these standards with routine cleaning when normal work resumes. We are a professional commercial cleaning company experienced in all different industry sectors and environments, and we can recommend the correct course of action to protect your employees and keep your business open, as the fight against COVID-19 continues.

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Supporting businesses with commercial cleaning across Leeds and Harrogate

15 May 2026

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Why Professional Commercial Office Cleaning Matters for Businesses in Leeds and Harrogate

by jenni • 15 April 2026

A clean office does far more than simply create a good first impression. For businesses across Leeds , Harrogate and the wider Yorkshire region, professional commercial office cleaning plays an important role in supporting staff wellbeing, productivity, workplace presentation and day-to-day operational standards. Whether you manage a busy corporate office, a shared workspace, a healthcare setting or a growing SME, maintaining a consistently clean working environment helps create a space where employees, visitors and clients feel comfortable and confident. At It's Clean Ltd we provide professional commercial office cleaning in Leeds, Harrogate, York and across Yorkshire, delivering tailored cleaning services designed around the needs of each individual business. Commercial office cleaning tailored to your business No two workplaces operate in exactly the same way. Some businesses require daily cleaning outside office hours, while others may need weekly contract cleaning, specialist deep cleans or additional services such as carpet cleaning, washroom services or communal area cleaning. That’s why professional commercial office cleaning should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. At It's Clean Ltd cleaning schedules are tailored around each client’s requirements to minimise disruption while maintaining consistently high standards throughout the workplace. Why businesses are outsourcing office cleaning For many organisations, outsourcing commercial office cleaning in Leeds and Harrogate offers a more reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution than managing cleaning internally. Professional cleaning contractors provide: Fully trained cleaning teams Consistent quality control Flexible cleaning schedules Specialist cleaning equipment and products Emergency cleaning support Washroom, carpet and window cleaning services Ongoing compliance and health & safety management This allows office managers and leadership teams to focus on running the business while knowing workplace cleanliness is being managed professionally. Creating healthier workplaces Modern workplaces see high levels of daily contact across desks, kitchens, washrooms, meeting rooms, touchpoints and shared equipment. Professional office cleaning helps maintain hygiene standards throughout these spaces and supports healthier working environments for staff and visitors alike. Services such as sanitisation of desks, keyboards, telephones, washrooms and communal areas have become an increasingly important part of workplace management for businesses across Yorkshire. To find out more about how we support businesses with professional commercial cleaning Request a Free Survey and Quote