What Is the Difference Between Cleanliness & Sanitation?

Cleanliness is important in beauty because it helps to keep products in good condition and stops the spread of bacteria. 

Basic hygiene involves regular bathing as well as washing hands before using beauty products or doing makeup. 

Sanitation usually relates to public health; and the term is commonly concerned drinking water, sewage facilities and agriculture. 

Preventing contact with waste materials that cause harm is key to sanitation, which is important for spas, salons or freelance beauty professionals who work with the public. 

While cleanliness is about getting into hygienic habits and maintaining a dirt-free environment, sanitizing things implies killing bacteria and puts safety, rather than a clean aesthetic, as a priority.


Common dangers of poor hygiene and sanitation include passing on parasitic conditions, such as ringworm, head-lice or infections. Hair-stylists, beauticians, beauty therapists and makeup artists all need to follow established health and safety practices, which reflect an environment where cleanliness is taken seriously. This involves maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene as well as keeping their work station clean. In spas, sanitation refers to the way that beauty waste is disposed of, which includes everything from hair-clippings to cotton pads and chemicals from treatments. It also covers the procedures used to sterilise equipment.