Which term is defined as the process of making an object clean and safe for use?

The correct term for the process of making an object clean and safe for use is sanitation. Sanitation refers to the practice of maintaining health and hygiene through cleanliness, which includes reducing the number of germs or contaminants on surfaces to a safe level. This process ensures that objects or environments are safe for use, especially in settings like esthetics where skin contact occurs.

Disinfection, while relevant, specifically refers to the process of killing or inactivating microorganisms on surfaces but does not necessarily imply that the item is completely safe for all uses. Sterilization takes the process further by completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, which is generally more extreme than necessary for everyday cleaning. Filtration is a method of separating substances, typically used in contexts such as air or water purification, and does not apply directly to the cleaning of objects for safe usage.

Thus, sanitation is the appropriate term that encompasses the necessary aspects of cleanliness and safety without the more extreme measures associated with disinfection or sterilization.