When a surface is properly cleaned, the number of contaminants on the surface is

• A. greatly reduced
• B. slightly reduced
• C. unchanged
• D. greatly increased

Answer: (A)

Cleaning aims to remove contaminants from a surface. When done properly, detergents loosen and lift dirt, oils, and microbes, which are then rinsed away, so the total number of contaminants is greatly reduced. A properly cleaned surface won’t remain the same or increase; partial or ineffective cleaning might only slightly reduce contaminants, but thorough cleaning leads to a significant decrease. If the goal is to eliminate microbes completely, follow cleaning with sanitizing or disinfection.