What is the purpose of decontamination?

The purpose of decontamination is to remove infectious materials and visible debris from surfaces. This process is crucial in ensuring a safe and hygienic environment, particularly in settings like beauty and healthcare, where the risk of infection and cross-contamination is high. By effectively cleaning surfaces, tools, and equipment, the process not only reduces the number of harmful pathogens but also helps to prepare the surfaces for further disinfection or sterilization, if necessary.

While destroying all living organisms on surfaces is related to sterilization rather than decontamination, identifying different types of contaminants and promoting the growth of non-harmful bacteria are not objectives of the decontamination process. The focus here is on cleaning to eliminate potential hazards, hence the emphasis on removing infectious materials and visible debris.