What is the term for the removal of food residue, dirt, and grease?

The term that refers to the removal of food residue, dirt, and grease is cleaning. Cleaning involves physically removing contaminants from surfaces and equipment to ensure they are free from impurities. It is an essential first step in maintaining food safety because surfaces must be adequately cleaned before any sanitization or disinfection can occur.

Sanitizing is a process that follows cleaning; it involves reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level. Wiping can be part of the cleaning process, but it typically refers to a method rather than a comprehensive process. Disinfecting focuses on killing germs on surfaces but, like sanitizing, requires that cleaning be done beforehand to be effective. Therefore, cleaning is the foundational action necessary to ensure that surfaces are properly prepared for further sanitation.