Which type of cleaning involves killing pathogens on a surface?

Disinfecting is the process specifically designed to kill pathogens on surfaces. This method uses chemical agents or processes that aim to reduce or eliminate harmful microorganisms, thereby making an area safer from potential infections. For example, disinfectants are often used in healthcare settings to ensure that surfaces such as tables, medical instruments, and equipment are free from bacteria and viruses.

On the other hand, cleaning typically refers to the removal of dirt, debris, and impurities from surfaces but does not necessarily eliminate pathogens. Sanitizing involves reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level as per public health standards, but it does not ensure the complete destruction of all pathogens like disinfecting does. Washing usually involves using soap and water to clean surfaces but again falls short on the level of pathogen elimination that disinfecting accomplishes. Thus, disinfecting stands out as the process that specifically focuses on killing pathogens.