What type of cleaning does hand washing represent?

Hand washing primarily represents sanitization. This process involves the removal of dirt and debris along with the reduction of microorganisms to safe levels. While hand washing can effectively cleanse the skin and eliminate many types of germs, it does not typically kill all pathogens, which is what disinfection does.

Disinfection is a more rigorous process aimed at killing a broader range of microorganisms on surfaces or skin that could potentially cause infection. Sterilization, on the other hand, is an even more thorough method that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, and is usually achieved through methods like autoclaving or chemical sterilants. Pre-cleaning refers to the initial step of removing dirt, debris, and organic matter before further levels of cleaning or disinfection take place.

While disinfection is an important procedure in infection control within a salon environment, hand washing fundamentally targets the aspect of sanitization by reducing harmful levels of bacteria and is a critical step in maintaining personal hygiene.