What is Cleaning?

• A. The removal of soil particles from surfaces by mechanical, manual or chemical methods.
• B. Treating a cleaned surface with a chemical agent to destroy organisms.
• C. Preventing contamination by sanitizing.
• D. Using water only to wash surfaces.

Answer: (A)

Cleaning is the removal of soil particles from surfaces by mechanical, manual, or chemical methods. It is the first step in sanitation because removing soil—dirt, grease, and debris—lets subsequent disinfecting or sanitizing be more effective. The other options describe applying chemical agents to kill organisms, reducing microbes, or washing with water alone, which are not what cleaning itself means. Detergents and mechanical action help lift and suspend soils so they can be rinsed away, making a surface ready for any following sanitizing or disinfection.