Which of the following is NOT a step in the cleaning process?

The correct answer is that filtrate is not a step in the cleaning process. In cleaning protocols, steps are typically designated to ensure surfaces and objects are free from dirt, contaminants, and pathogens. The standard cleaning process involves rinsing, sanitizing, and drying.

Rinsing involves removing loose dirt and debris from surfaces, which is essential to prepare the area for deeper cleaning. Sanitizing is the step that reduces the microbial load on surfaces to safe levels, which is crucial for maintaining health standards, especially in a health department setting. Drying ensures that surfaces are left clear of moisture that can harbor bacteria and decrease the effectiveness of the cleaning agents used.

Filtrate, on the other hand, refers to a liquid that has passed through a filter and is more commonly associated with processes in chemistry or laboratory settings rather than general cleaning procedures. Therefore, it does not belong in the sequence of steps typically involved in cleaning practices.