Which process involves destroying most microbes using chemicals or heat?

The process involving the destruction of most microbes using chemicals or heat is known as disinfection. Disinfection is critical in healthcare settings and daily hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infections by eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. Unlike cleaning, which primarily removes dirt and organic matter without necessarily killing germs, disinfection specifically targets harmful microbes through effective agents.

Disinfection can be accomplished using various methods, including chemical disinfectants (like bleach or alcohol) and heat (such as boiling water or steam). This process does not guarantee the complete elimination of all microorganisms, particularly resistant spores, which requires a higher level of treatment known as sterilization. Sanitization is focused on reducing microbial loads to safe levels rather than fully disinfecting or sterilizing surfaces. Thus, disinfection effectively bridges the gap between cleaning and sterilization by aiming for high-level germ reduction in a practical, efficient manner.