Sterilization (microbiology) - Cleaning Methods That Do Not Achieve Sterilization

Cleaning Methods That Do Not Achieve Sterilization

This is a brief list of cleaning methods that may be thought to "kill germs" but do not achieve sterilization.

  • Washing in a dishwasher: Dishwashers often only use hot tap water or heat the water to between 49 and 60 °C (120 and 140 °F), which is not hot enough to kill some bacteria on cooking or eating utensils.
  • Bathing can not sterilize skin, even using antibacterial soap.
  • Disinfectants (for non-living objects) or antiseptics (for living objects such as skin) can kill or remove bacteria and viruses, but not all.
  • Pasteurization of food also kills some bacteria and viruses, but not all.

Read more about this topic:  Sterilization (microbiology)

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