Which term refers to removing organic and inorganic materials from a surface?

• A. Deactivate
• B. Decontaminate
• C. Clean
• D. Disinfect

Answer: (C)

The action described is cleaning. Cleaning focuses on physically and chemically removing soils from a surface, including both organic residues (like drug substances or bodily fluids) and inorganic matter (dust, powders). Detergents combined with water and mechanical action loosen and rinse away these materials, but cleaning itself doesn’t require killing microorganisms.

Decontamination is a broader term that can include cleaning plus disinfection or other steps to render surfaces safe. Disinfection specifically targets reducing or eliminating microorganisms, not necessarily removing visible soil. Deactivate isn’t the standard term used here. Therefore, removing organic and inorganic materials from a surface is best described as cleaning.