We clean to obtain a sterile environment.

The assertion that "we clean to obtain a sterile environment" is false for a few reasons. In most situations, the primary goal of cleaning is not to achieve sterility but rather to reduce the microbial load to safer levels. Standards for cleaning and disinfection focus on creating a hygienic environment that minimizes the risk of microbial contamination rather than achieving complete sterility.

Sterility implies the complete absence of viable microorganisms, which is typically only required in specific medical or laboratory settings. In many applied microbial remediation contexts, such as in residential or commercial environments, cleaning and disinfection efforts are aimed at controlling the growth of pathogens to an acceptable level, not eliminating all microbes. The importance lies in creating safe living conditions rather than striving for an unrealistic standard of sterility in everyday environments.

In summary, recognizing that cleaning aims to create a sanitary environment rather than a sterile one is essential for effective microbial remediation practices.