Cleaning is the process of removing food and other types of soil from a surface such as countertop of plate.

Sanitizing is the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on surface to safe levels

Surfaces must first be cleaned and rinsed before being sanitized

Cleaning agents are divided into five categories

Two methods that can be used to sanitize surfaces:

Often called degreasers. These cleaners work well in areas where grease has been burned on.

These cleaners are often used to remove scale in warewashing machines and steam tables.

These cleaners contain a scouring agent that helps scrub off hard-to-remove soils. These cleaners are used on floors or to remove baked on or burned on foods in pots and pans.

The condition of the soil or stain affects how easily it can be removed.