Cleaning is defined as?

• A. The chemical process of sterilizing equipment
• B. The mechanical process using soap and water or detergent to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs
• C. Killing all microorganisms on surfaces
• D. Using antiseptic solutions on skin

Answer: (B)

Cleaning means physically removing dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs by using soap and water or detergent with mechanical action. It focuses on getting surfaces visibly clean and reducing microbial load, but it does not kill all microorganisms. This step is the first and essential part of the sanitation/disinfection process.

Think of the other options as different processes: sterilization aims to eliminate all microorganisms on an instrument or surface, usually with strong chemicals or heat; disinfection kills most pathogens but not necessarily all; antisepsis involves applying antiseptic to the skin to prevent infection. Cleaning specifically targets removal rather than killing or treating for skin.