What is the process of removing dirt, dust, blood, or other visible contaminants from a surface called?

The process of removing dirt, dust, blood, or other visible contaminants from a surface is known as cleaning. This step focuses on physically eliminating impurities and is essential in maintaining hygiene and preparing surfaces for further actions, such as sanitizing or disinfecting. Cleaning typically involves the use of water and cleaning agents to dissolve and remove debris from surfaces.

In contrast, sanitizing involves reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level, disinfecting kills a higher percentage of pathogens, and purifying generally refers to the process of making something completely clean or free from contaminants, often used in contexts related to air or water treatment. Thus, while each term relates to cleanliness, cleaning specifically addresses the removal of visible contaminants.