What is the definition of sanitization?

Sanitization refers to the process that effectively reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level, as determined by public health standards. This process does not aim to completely eliminate all microorganisms, which is the goal of sterilization, but rather to significantly lower their presence to minimize the risk of infection and maintain a safe environment.

By focusing on reducing most micro-organisms, sanitization is a practical approach, especially in settings such as salons, spas, and other personal care environments where complete sterility is often unnecessary and can be impractical. It plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards, protecting both clients and professionals by ensuring surfaces and tools are clean to a level that is deemed safe.

In contrast, the other options imply different processes that do not align with the definition of sanitization. Destroying all microorganisms pertains to sterilization, and disinfecting surfaces only suggests a narrower focus than the broader scope of sanitization. Similarly, cleansing the skin does not encompass the objective of reducing microbial presence in a systematic or standardized manner as sanitization does.