Which process involves maintaining hygiene by reducing the number of disease-causing germs?

Sanitation is the process that focuses on maintaining hygiene by reducing the number of disease-causing germs to a safe level. This is typically achieved through cleaning practices that involve the use of soap, water, and appropriate cleaning agents. By effectively removing organic debris and reducing the overall microbial load, sanitation helps prevent the spread of infections and contributes to public health.

In environments like salons and spa settings, sanitation is crucial as it ensures that surfaces and tools are kept clean and safe for clients. It complements other methods like disinfection and sterilization, which aim at killing or inactivating pathogens, but sanitation specifically targets the reduction of the microbe load to acceptable levels, making it a vital step in hygiene practices.