Final answer:
Disinfection inactivates most microbes on a surface, but it doesn't eliminate all microorganisms. Sterilization, on the other hand, completely removes all microorganisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of disinfection inactivates most microbes on the surface of a fomite by using antimicrobial chemicals or heat. It aims to reduce the microbial load of an inanimate item to safe public health levels. However, disinfection does not eliminate all microorganisms, and the disinfected item is not considered sterile. Sterilization, on the other hand, completely removes or kills all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses from the targeted item or environment.