Which process helps to reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces?

The process that helps to reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces is sanitizing. This involves using products or methods that lower the number of germs to a safe level as determined by public health standards. Sanitizing is particularly important in the barbershop environment, where it's crucial to maintain a clean and healthy space for clients.

Sanitizing is often used for surfaces and tools that come into contact with skin or hair, helping to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. While cleaning is the first step in maintaining hygiene, and involves removing dirt and debris, it does not necessarily reduce microorganisms to safe levels. Disinfecting goes further by killing a greater number of microorganisms, but it is more potent and often requires longer contact times or special chemicals. Sterilizing is the most extreme form, completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, which is not necessary for everyday surfaces in a barbering context. Thus, while all these processes are important, sanitizing specifically addresses the goal of reducing microorganisms to a manageable level on surfaces commonly used in barbering.