Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
I think maybe you have the two mixed up?
To sanitize is to clean (as in dirt etc), to disinfect is to kill infection (germs, bacteria and viruses).
Actually, to sanitize is to "reduce germs to a safe level" as opposed to sterilizing, which is to basically destroy all microbes. Cleaning is just to remove dirt.
The two-step process is to clean (remove dirt) and sanitize (to reduce germs to a safe level).
I looked up our state definitions, and they do have a way to use vinegar as a sanitizer: Warm it to 150 degrees, spray while still warm, and let it sit for one minute.
"Surfaces must be clean before they are sanitized, because surfaces cannot be effectively sanitized unless they are first
clean.
If used as specified by the manufacturer, any product that has anufacturer instructions for how to use it as a sanitizer will be accepted as a sanitizing solution.
Although not required by licensing, many providers choose to sanitize with a bleach solution. An effective sanitizing solution can be made by mixing 1⁄2 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water, or 1⁄2 scant teaspoon of bleach in 1 quart of water, and allowing it to sit on the surface to be sanitized for at least 2 minutes before rinsing or wiping. According to the manufacturer, after 24 hours the bleach mixture loses its ability to sanitize. However, bleach water may be kept longer than 24 hours if the provider tests the sanitizer with a test strip and the test strip indicates the bleach water registers at least 50
parts per million on the strip. CFOC, 3rd Ed. Appendix J.
When the manufacturer of a disinfecting product lists several times for a solution to be left on a surface for disinfecting, such as Quat, accept the shortest time because disinfecting is stronger than sanitizing.
If operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, a steam cleaner may be used to meet the requirement for both cleaning and sanitizing.
Peroxide air filtration systems clean the air of many viruses and germs but do not clean and sanitize surfaces. For this reason, air filtration systems are not a substitute for cleaning and sanitizing toys and equipment.
When providers choose to use a household product they must provide documentation and instructions showing that the solution is an effective sanitizer. The instructions must be followed and must come from a reputable source such as a university or government agency.
For example, a solution of 5% white distilled vinegar, when heated to 150 degrees, sprayed on a surface while still warm, and allowed to sit for 1 minute, is an effective sanitizer.