Final answer:
Cleaning refers to the removal of visible dirt, while sanitizing involves reducing microorganisms to a safe level.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between cleaning and sanitizing is that cleaning refers to the removal of visible dirt, debris, and grease from a surface, while sanitizing refers to the reduction of microorganisms on a surface to a safe level. Cleaning involves the use of soap, water, and physical scrubbing to remove dirt, while sanitizing involves the use of antimicrobial chemicals or heat to kill or reduce the number of microorganisms.
For example: If you were cleaning a countertop, you would scrub it with soap and water to remove any visible dirt or food particles. After cleaning, if you wanted to sanitize the countertop to make it safe for food preparation, you could use a bleach solution or a sanitizer spray to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses.