Final answer:
The process of washing a soiled medical instrument or equipment with soap and water is known as cleaning. Cleaning helps remove visible dirt, debris, and some microbes from the surface of the instruments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of washing a soiled medical instrument or equipment with soap and water is known as cleaning. Cleaning is a crucial step in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of medical equipment. It helps remove visible dirt, debris, and some microbes from the surface of the instruments. While cleaning reduces the microbial load, it does not eliminate all microorganisms. For complete sterilization, additional steps such as disinfection or sterilization may be required.