Final answer:
Sterilization is the process that makes an object completely germ-free, which includes the eradication of vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses, achieved using physical methods like heat or chemical sterilants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of making an object 100% free of germs is called sterilization. Sterilization refers to the complete removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses from the item in question. Physical means of sterilization can include high heat, pressure, or filtration through an appropriate filter, while chemical means involve the use of sterilants, which are chemicals capable of destroying all forms of microbial life, including endospores.
The rigor of sterilization protocols is typically reserved for environments where sterility is critical, such as in medical and research laboratories, certain manufacturing processes, and in the food industry. It is important to note that not all cleaning methods lead to sterilization; for instance, disinfection significantly reduces microbial presence but does not necessarily eliminate all microbes, such as resistant endospores.