What does sanitizing generally involve?

Sanitizing generally involves the chemical reduction of germs on cleaned surfaces. This process aims to lower the number of microorganisms to a safe level as judged by public health standards. It's important to note that sanitizing is not the same as sterilization, which is a more extreme process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores.

Chemical sanitizers, such as bleach or alcohol solutions, are commonly used in the process, ensuring that surfaces are not just visually clean but also effectively disinfected to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses to prevent the spread of infection. This makes sanitization crucial in settings like salons and spas where cleanliness is essential for customer safety and health.

Other processes like mechanical cleaning of surfaces, washing hands with soap, or sterilizing with an autoclave each play a role in overall hygiene practices but serve different purposes. Mechanical cleaning might remove dirt and debris but does not eliminate pathogens to the extent that sanitizing does. Similarly, while soap is effective in removing some germs, it does not equate to sanitizing. Sterilization is reserved for equipment and tools that require a higher level of microbial control.