What is the process of removing food and residue from a surface called?

The process of removing food and residue from a surface is known as cleaning. This step is essential in food safety and hygiene protocols. Cleaning involves physically removing dirt, food particles, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces. It typically requires the use of water, detergent, and scrubbing tools to ensure that surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

Sanitizing, while closely related, specifically refers to the process of reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level, usually through the use of chemical disinfectants or heat. Maintaining refers to the general upkeep of cleanliness and order but does not specifically address the act of removing food and residue. Washing generally refers to the act of cleaning dishes or utensils specifically but is not a comprehensive term for surface cleaning in a broader context. Consequently, cleaning is the most accurate term among the provided options for the removal of food and residue.