Final answer:
Cleaning and disinfecting are distinct processes; cleaning removes dirt and germs physically, while disinfecting kills germs chemically. Disinfectants are measured by their phenol coefficient, and a value greater than 1.0 indicates greater efficacy than phenol itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces are not the same thing. False would be the correct answer to your question. Cleaning usually refers to the removal of visible dirt, debris and even some germs from surfaces. It's primarily a physical process that uses water, detergents, and scrubbing to reduce the number of germs on a surface. On the other hand, disinfecting is a chemical process that uses specific solutions to kill germs on surfaces. In healthcare settings, for example, doorknobs and other surfaces are often coated with disinfectants or antimicrobials to prevent the transmission of microbes.
The effectiveness of a disinfectant depends on several factors, including the time of exposure and the concentration of the chemical. The term 'sanitization' refers to the process of reducing the number of germs to a safe level, but again, this does not ensure that all microbes are killed; it just lowers the number of germs. If a chemical disinfectant is more effective than phenol, then its phenol coefficient would be greater than 1.0.
Overall, while both cleaning and disinfecting are important for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable processes.