What is sterilization?

Sterilization is defined as the process that completely destroys all microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi. This level of cleanliness is essential in environments where any microbial contamination can lead to serious consequences, such as in medical settings, laboratories, or during certain esthetic procedures.

While the other options refer to important cleaning and sanitizing processes, they do not encompass the complete elimination of all microbes. For example, reducing pathogens to safe levels is part of disinfection, which does not necessarily involve the total eradication of all forms of microorganisms. Similarly, cleaning surfaces is an essential part of maintaining hygiene, but it primarily removes dirt, debris, and some microorganisms without the assurance of complete sterilization. Thus, option B is accurate in highlighting the thoroughness of sterilization compared to the other processes mentioned.