What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization? Disinfection kills or inhibits the growth of virtually all microorganisms on objects or surfaces, and sterilization completely eliminates all microorganisms from a surface or object.

Disinfection kills all microorganisms from the surface and sterilization inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Disinfection is performed using regular tap water and sterilization is a process that completely eliminates all microorganisms from a surface.

Disinfection kills or prohibits the growth of microorganisms whereas sterilization is the process that only removes visible dirt from an object.