California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam 2025 - Free eFoodHandlers Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cleaning and sanitizing are two different processes with different end goals. While cleaning involves using soap and water to physically remove dirt, grime, and debris from surfaces, sanitizing focuses on reducing the number of germs and bacteria on a surface to a safe level. This is achieved by using chemicals or heat to kill any remaining pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because both cleaning and sanitizing can remove germs and debris, but they go about it in different ways. Choice B is incorrect because both cleaning and sanitizing can use either water or heat, depending on the method. Finally, choice D is incorrect because, as explained, there is a clear difference between cleaning and sanitizing.