What is the main difference between washing and sanitizing?

The primary distinction lies in their functions. Washing focuses on removing dirt, food particles, and impurities from surfaces, effectively cleaning them. It is a crucial first step in maintaining hygiene, ensuring that any visible contaminants are eliminated. On the other hand, sanitizing is the process that specifically aims to reduce or eliminate microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, on those cleaned surfaces to levels that are safe for public health.

While washing can significantly reduce the presence of germs through mechanical action and soap, sanitizing goes further by employing chemical agents or heat to destroy any remaining pathogens. This is particularly essential in food service environments where food safety is paramount, as improper sanitization could lead to foodborne illnesses.

The other options do not accurately convey this essential difference. For instance, washing is not limited to just liquid spills, and both processes can occur at various temperatures, depending on the cleaning agents used. Lastly, the sequence of performing washing and sanitizing does not strictly define their meanings or purposes, as effective sanitation follows thorough cleaning regardless of when it occurs in the workflow.