Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What Medical Facilities Need to Know In a healthcare setting, a smudge on a waiting room table is more than just an eyesore; it is a potential vector for disease. For medical facility managers, maintaining a pristine environment is not just about aesthetics — it is a critical component of patient safety and infection control. However, there is often confusion surrounding the terminology used in facility maintenance. The terms "cleaning" and "disinfe