Which method is not meant for killing bacteria?

Cleaning is focused on removing dirt, debris, and some microbes from surfaces but does not necessarily eliminate all microorganisms, especially pathogens. It primarily involves the physical action of scrubbing and using soap or detergent to lift dirt and organic matter away from surfaces. Since it does not involve methods specifically designed to kill bacteria, such as heat or chemical agents, it is not considered a method intended for killing bacteria.

In contrast, sanitation, sterilization, and disinfection are methods specifically intended to reduce or eliminate microbial populations. Sanitation lowers the number of microorganisms to a safe level, often using a combination of cleaning and disinfecting. Sterilization aims for complete eradication of all forms of microbial life, which is critical for instruments and environments that require absolute cleanliness. Disinfection kills or inactivates harmful microorganisms on surfaces or objects, though it may not eliminate all bacterial spores.