During the cleaning of reusable items following a dental procedure, which technique will not remove solid debris from items?

The autoclave is primarily designed for sterilization by using high-pressure steam to eliminate all microorganisms, including spores. While it is an essential process in ensuring that instruments are free from pathogens, it does not involve the physical removal of solid debris. The items need to be cleaned thoroughly before being placed in an autoclave; otherwise, any residual debris could insulate microorganisms from the sterilizing effect of the steam.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned are specifically intended for cleaning and removing debris. Manual scrubbing involves physically scrubbing items to remove all particles, while an ultrasonic bath uses sound waves in a liquid solution to dislodge debris from surfaces. A washer-disinfector uses a combination of cleaning and disinfecting methods to ensure instruments are thoroughly cleaned. Therefore, while the autoclave is crucial for sterilization after cleaning, it does not serve the purpose of removing solid debris effectively.