What is the term for an article that has been used and not cleaned or disinfected?

The term "soiled" specifically refers to an article that has been used and has not undergone any cleaning or disinfection process. In the context of safety and sanitation practices, "soiled" implies that the item is dirty due to the presence of bodily fluids, food particles, or other contaminants that can pose a health risk. This term is particularly important in settings such as healthcare and food service, where hygiene standards are essential to prevent the spread of infection or contamination.

While "contaminated," "dirty," and "unsterilized" could also describe items that are unclean, they do not cover the nuance that "soiled" provides. "Soiled" emphasizes the condition of having visible evidence of use, which directly correlates with the need for proper sanitation practices to restore the item to a safe and usable state.