What is sanitization primarily meant to achieve?

Sanitization is primarily aimed at reducing the number of microbes to levels that are considered safe according to public health standards. This process does not aim for complete destruction of all pathogens nor does it provide complete sterility, which would require more rigorous methods such as sterilization. The goal is to minimize the risk of infection and contamination, making surfaces or items safe for use. By focusing on reducing microbial load instead of entirely eliminating all microorganisms, sanitization effectively balances cleanliness with practical application in various environments, such as healthcare and food service. Additionally, while cleaning visible dirt can be part of the process, sanitization specifically targets microbial presence rather than just surface debris.