California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam

What is the major difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

1. Cleaning removes germs, sanitizing removes debris

2. Cleaning uses water, sanitizing uses dry heat

3. Cleaning uses soap to remove debris, sanitizing uses chemicals or heat to kill germs and bacteria

4. There is no difference

The correct answer is: Cleaning uses soap to remove debris, sanitizing uses chemicals or heat to kill germs and bacteria

Cleaning and sanitizing are two different processes with different end goals. While cleaning involves using soap and water to physically remove dirt, grime, and debris from surfaces, sanitizing focuses on reducing the number of germs and bacteria on a surface to a safe level. This is achieved by using chemicals or heat to kill any remaining pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because both cleaning and sanitizing can remove germs and debris, but they go about it in different ways. Choice B is incorrect because both cleaning and sanitizing can use either water or heat, depending on the method. Finally, choice D is incorrect because, as explained, there is a clear difference between cleaning and sanitizing.