Merely spraying and wiping is cleaning, NOT considered ________ _____________.

• A. disinfection
• B. sanitation
• C. proper disinfection
• D. sterilization

Answer: (C)

The main idea is the difference between cleaning and active disinfection. Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris. Disinfection goes further by killing many harmful pathogens on inanimate surfaces, but it must be done correctly: you typically start by cleaning the surface, then apply an EPA-registered disinfectant and allow it to stay wet for the labeled contact time. Merely spraying and wiping fits the cleaning step—it may remove some grime, but it doesn’t meet the requirements of proper disinfection. So the phrase that completes the sentence is “proper disinfection.” Tools and surfaces in a salon would require following the correct disinfectant procedure (and separate handling for sterilization of reusable tools) rather than just quick spray-and-wipe.