Antiseptics and disinfectants are the basic tools of cleaning and sanitizing, yet the difference between the two substances is unclear. Knowing the difference between antiseptics and disinfectants and how each works to sterilize wounds or surfaces can help you select the most appropriate product for your needs.
Difference
Both antiseptics and disinfectants eliminate disease-causing organisms, notes the Mount Sinai Department of Microbiology. The difference is in how each substance is used. Antiseptics are applied to living skin or tissue to prevent infection, whereas disinfectants are applied to surfaces, equipment or other inanimate objects. Disinfectants are stronger and more toxic than antiseptics because they are applied to surfaces, not living tissue.
Significance
Sterilization kills or removes all living organisms, including viruses, bacteria and cells, from an object, explains Mount Sinai. Disinfection kills or removes disease-causing organisms, but not necessarily all organisms present on an object. Heat, radiation, filtration or chemical processes are used to sterilize objects such as medical instruments or surgical or laboratory equipment. If properly sealed, a sterilized object will remain sterile until the seal is broken. Sterilization is uncommon outside of hospital or laboratory settings. In