What is the correct term for the processes that eliminate or reduce harmful germs?

The correct term for the processes that eliminate or reduce harmful germs is disinfection. Disinfection refers to the use of chemical or physical agents to destroy or inactivate pathogens on surfaces, tools, or skin, significantly reducing the number of infectious microorganisms. This process is critical in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infection, especially in environments like nail salons where equipment comes into contact with different clients.

Understanding disinfection within a broader context reveals its importance. While sterilization is a more intensive process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores, disinfection specifically targets pathogens, making it sufficient for environments that do not require complete sterility. Sanitation refers to a process that reduces the number of germs to safe levels, but it does not eliminate them as effectively as disinfection. Decontamination is more general and encompasses both sanitation and disinfection methods, but when focusing specifically on the reduction or elimination of harmful germs, disinfection is the most precise term.