disinfecting
Eliminating harmful microbes
Disinfecting is the process of killing or neutralizing harmful microorganisms on surfaces or objects, typically using chemical agents.
Unlike mere cleaning, which removes visible dirt, disinfecting targets invisible pathogens: Disinfecting the kitchen counters after handling raw chicken.
The term extends figuratively to purging unwanted elements: disinfecting the organization of corrupt officials.
Agent that reduces microbes
- germicideAgent that kills microbes
- bactericideSubstance killing harmful microbes
- virucideAgent destroying viral pathogens
- fungicideChemical that kills mold
biocide · microbicide · sterilant · antimicrobial · antibacterial · antiviral · antifungal
Remove harmful substances
- sterilizeEliminate all microorganisms
- sanitizeCleanse of pathogens
- scrubClean by rubbing hard
- cleanseRemove dirt or sin
purify · treat · application · rinse · wipe-down
Chemical stain and germ killer
- chlorineHalogen disinfectant element
- isopropylBranched three-carbon alcohol
- peroxideOxygen compound, disinfectant
- iodineAntiseptic element, atomic fifty-three
ethanol · isopropanol · alcohol · phenol · formaldehyde · chlorhexidine · benzalkonium · hypochlorite
Purge pests using gas
- autoclavePressurized steam sterilization chamber
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- pasteurizeHeat-treat for safety
- irradiationExposure to radiant energy
ozonation · boiling · fogging · misting · soaking · wiping · spraying · electrolysis
Free from pathogens
- sterileFree from microorganisms
- surgicalRelating to operations
- hospital-gradeMeeting medical facility requirements
- clinicalEmotionally detached, medically precise
operating-room · cross-contamination · glovebox · quarantine
sanitizer
Agent that reduces microbes
- germicideAgent that kills microbes
- bactericideSubstance killing harmful microbes
- virucideAgent destroying viral pathogens
fungicide · biocide · microbicide · sterilant · antimicrobial · antibacterial · antiviral · antifungal
decontaminate
Remove harmful substances
bleach
Chemical stain and germ killer
- chlorineHalogen disinfectant element
- isopropylBranched three-carbon alcohol
- peroxideOxygen compound, disinfectant
iodine · ethanol · isopropanol · alcohol · phenol · formaldehyde · chlorhexidine · benzalkonium · hypochlorite · ammonia
fumigate
Purge pests using gas
- autoclavePressurized steam sterilization chamber
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- pasteurizeHeat-treat for safety
irradiation · ozonation · boiling · fogging · misting · soaking · wiping · spraying · electrolysis
aseptic
Free from pathogens
- sterileFree from microorganisms
- surgicalRelating to operations
- hospital-gradeMeeting medical facility requirements
clinical · operating-room · cross-contamination · glovebox · quarantine
- cleanlinessclean, cleanliness, clean up, dirty, neatness
- hygienehygiene, handwashing, toothbrush, hand washing, sanitizer
- sanitationsewage, sewers, cleaning, sewer, dry toilet
- cleaning servicesjanitors, custodians, office cleaning, window washing, floor care
- housekeepingcleaning, chores, dusting, dishes, dishwashing
- illness preventionhand washing, hygiene, flu shot, flu vaccine, face mask
disinfectinginfecting
Transmitting pathogens to hosts
contaminating · polluting · spreading germs · dirtying · befouling
- disinfecting wipesMoist cloths that kill germs
- disinfection protocolsProcedures for eliminating harmful microbes