Cleaning removes soil and unwanted material. Sanitizing reduces microorganisms to an acceptable level for the intended use. Disinfecting kills or inactivates disease-causing microorganisms within the exact product’s labelled claims.
Start with the intended procedure, the surface material and the equipment instructions. Then check the exact product. A familiar category name alone does not tell you where a chemical can be used or how to use it.
What is the difference?
| Task | What it means | What to establish before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Removing soil and other unwanted material, using physical action, a cleaning product or both. | The soil, surface material and equipment you need to clean. |
| Sanitizing | Reducing microorganisms to a level considered acceptable for the intended public-health purpose. | The precise sanitizing application, including whether the surface contacts food. |
| Disinfecting | Killing or inactivating disease-causing microorganisms on surfaces, within a product’s labelled claims. | The setting, surface and specific claim required by your procedure. |
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency distinguishes removing dirt from reducing microorganisms, and explains why cleaning normally precedes sanitizing. See its cleaning and sanitation guidance.
A disinfectant is not automatically suitable for every surface or food-contact task. Health Canada’s guidance on biocides distinguishes cleaners, surface sanitizers and disinfectants, and explains that the product’s claims and conditions of use matter.
Describe the task before choosing the product
A greasy appliance exterior
Tell the supplier what the surface is made of, its finish and what needs removing. A request for a cleaner should identify that cleaning job; a product’s cleaning performance alone does not establish a sanitizing or disinfecting claim.
A food-preparation surface
State that the surface contacts food. Ask about a product labelled for that application, the cleaning preparation it requires and the directions that apply before the surface returns to use. Do not select a product solely because its name contains “sanitizer.”
Cutting boards are food-contact surfaces. Identify the board material and ask for the exact product label to confirm the permitted application, preparation and any rinsing requirements. For a purchase enquiry, use the food-contact sanitizer page and describe the boards or worktops your team uses.
A hand-hygiene station
Keep products for hands separate from products for worktops and equipment. Health Canada treats skin sanitizers as a different product class from surface biocides. Specify the hand-use application and dispenser when enquiring.
Can one product do more than one job?
Some products have combined cleaning and antimicrobial claims. Use those claims only under the conditions stated on that product’s label. A combined claim does not mean the preparation, application or contact requirements can be skipped.
What to check on the product label
Ask for the current label before comparing products. Use it alongside the equipment manual, applicable Safety Data Sheet and your workplace procedure.
| Check | Question to resolve |
|---|---|
| Intended use | Does the label cover the task and setting you have described? |
| Surface and equipment | Is your material or equipment suitable, including any food-contact use? |
| Preparation | What cleaning or rinsing must happen before application? |
| Directions | Is it ready to use or prepared on site? What application method, contact conditions and rinsing instructions apply? |
| Handling and storage | What precautions and storage directions must your team follow? |
| Product documents | Can the supplier provide the current label, applicable safety documents and Canadian authorization details for an antimicrobial product? |
There is no single dilution or contact time for this whole set of categories. Confirm the exact product directions rather than transferring instructions from a previous container or a different product.
Find the category for your enquiry
- Sanitizer by intended use: choose hands, food-contact or another surface application before reviewing the actual product.
- Degreaser: household, automotive, kitchen and industrial selection questions.
- Commercial dishwasher detergent and dishroom chemicals: identify the machine, dispenser and existing products for an automatic washing process.
- Commercial dish soap and pot-and-pan detergent: describe the dishes, cookware or utensils washed by hand.
- Food-contact surface sanitizers: describe the work surface or utensil application and request the relevant product documents.
- Commercial hand soap: identify the handwashing station and the dispenser or refill system.
- Commercial hand sanitizer: provide the hand-hygiene use, dispenser and refill requirements.
- Restaurant cleaning chemicals: send a list of cleaning tasks when you need several categories or help organizing an order.
If you are opening a kitchen or checking what is missing from an existing order, use the restaurant cleaning chemical checklist to work through the dish station, cooking equipment, floors and handwashing areas.
Your next step
Turn the task into a product question.
Tell us what needs cleaning, the surface material and whether the application involves food contact or hands. Add your current product, quantity and dispenser details if known.
Sales will use your contact and application details to discuss the proposed product and order. Personal enquiries do not require a business name. Sending an enquiry does not place an order or establish product suitability.
Pricing is discussed by phone or in person after we understand your requirements. Sending a request does not place an order. Prefer a callback?
Send questions your supplier can answer
A specific description is more useful than asking for the “strongest” cleaner. Include:
- The task, surface material and whether it contacts food or skin.
- The equipment make and model, if the product will be used with a machine.
- Your current product and dispenser, if you are replacing an item.
- The product documents you need to review with your team.
- Your contact details, preferred quantity and delivery needs.
Ottawa Chemicals is based in Ottawa and accepts personal and business chemical enquiries across Canada. Send the details you have; product, dispenser, quantity and timing information can be added during the conversation. The proposed product, suitability, format, availability, pricing and fulfilment for your destination are confirmed during follow-up.
References and expanded audience guidance reviewed 5 November 2026. The linked CFIA and Health Canada guidance supports the definitions and food-contact examples above. This guide helps you prepare a product enquiry; the current product label, equipment instructions and procedures for your premises govern use.