There is a difference. An item for the kitchen or a bathroom fixture might be clean, but it still might not be sanitized as well as clean.
Cleaning simply means the dirt has been removed. However, bacteria may still remain. I don't want bacteria lurking about on my cutting board, kitchen counter, or bathroom fixtures, ready to grow and possibly make someone sick. So, after cleaning it's a good idea to also sanitize the surfaces.
I have read many sites that recommend vinegar as a good all-purpose cleaner -- and it is. However, it does not disinfect. The food preservation qualities of vinegar (keeping food bacteria from growing in pickles and other canned foods) is not the same as killing germs and bacteria.
To kill the "bad guys" you also need bleach or some other kind of real disinfectant. Diluting 3/4 cup of bleach into a gallon of water is sufficient to kill germs on surfaces. (Be sure to spot test the surface in an inconspicuous location before using this full on.) Put some of this solution in a spray bottle to make the application of it easier. Use it on doorknobs, faucet handles, toilets, cutting boards, and other surfaces that may harbor bacteria.
Do save money by creating your own cleaning products. This is a good idea. But don't put your or your family's health at risk by not killing germs in your home.
