Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, infectious agents, and other impurities, from an object or environment. It is often performed for aesthetic, hygienic, and environmental reasons. Cleaning can be achieved through mechanical action and/or solvent action, and many methods rely on both processes. Some common methods of cleaning include washing, mopping, green cleaning, plasma cleaning, sputter cleaning, steam cleaning, sweeping, and thermal cleaning, among others.
Cleaning is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy environment, as it helps remove dirt, microbes, small amounts of food, and many other soils that we do not want hanging around. It is needed not only at home but also in schools, restaurants, hotels, public transportation, and especially in hospitals. The more people or animals that go into a place, the more often it will need to be cleaned.
It is important to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Cleaning removes dirt, dust, crumbs, and germs from surfaces or objects, while sanitizing involves lowering the number of germs to a safe level. Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves killing germs on surfaces or objects. It is crucial to follow proper cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting practices to maintain a clean and healthy environment, especially in public spaces and places where food is prepared.
In summary, cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances from an object or environment, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and health in various settings.
