What is the term for removing dirt, dust, or blood from a surface or equipment?

The appropriate term for removing dirt, dust, or blood from a surface or equipment is cleaning. Cleaning is the foundational step in infection control and involves the physical removal of contaminants from surfaces. This process does not necessarily eliminate all microorganisms but is essential for preparing surfaces for further disinfection or sterilization if needed.

Disinfection follows cleaning and involves the use of chemicals to kill or inactivate pathogens on surfaces, while sanitizing lowers the number of germs to a safe level according to public health standards. Sterilizing is a more rigorous process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including difficult spores. In this context, cleaning directly addresses the physical removal of visible dirt and debris, making it the correct choice for the question posed.