What is the process of making objects clean and safe for use, but does NOT necessarily destroy disease-causing organisms?

Sanitation refers to the process of making objects clean and safe for use by removing dirt, debris, and germs to a certain level, but it does not necessarily involve the complete destruction of all disease-causing organisms. The goal of sanitation is to reduce the number of harmful microorganisms to a level considered safe by public health standards, making it ideal for everyday cleaning tasks.

In contrast, cleaning specifically involves removing visible dirt and impurities, which may not have any effect on pathogenic organisms. Disinfection goes further by using chemicals or procedures to eliminate specific organisms, particularly those that can cause disease, but may not destroy all forms of microbial life. Sterilization is the most extreme level of contamination control, as it aims to kill or eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

Therefore, among the options provided, sanitation is the appropriate answer as it aligns with the definition of making objects clean and safe without the total need to eliminate all microorganisms.