Clean surfaces are not necessarily disinfected, and disinfected surfaces are not necessarily clean. Cleaning involves physical scrubbing or wiping, usually with soap and water or even a homemade all-purpose cleaning spray. Cleaning reduces the number of germs by decreasing the amount of grime, dust, and dirt on a surface. Disinfecting kills lingering germs on a surface. Disinfection reduces the risk of transmitting infections or illnesses but does not necessarily leave the surface free of dirt and grime. When you're trying to control the spread of illness in your home, it's best to clean and disinfect frequently touched areas daily.