Which of the following will destroy or kill microbes?

Disinfectants are specifically formulated chemical agents that effectively destroy or kill a wide range of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, on surfaces or in environments that require a high level of sanitation. The primary function of disinfectants is to eliminate pathogens that can lead to infections or contamination, making them essential in settings such as hospitals, laboratories, and food preparation areas.

In contrast, while soaps and detergents can help remove dirt and some microbes through physical action, they do not have the same antimicrobial properties as disinfectants. Soaps work by emulsifying fats and oils, allowing for easier removal, and detergents enhance cleaning but are not necessarily designed to kill microbes. Sanitizers, on the other hand, reduce the number of bacteria on surfaces to safe levels but do not completely eliminate all microbes. Thus, disinfectants are the correct choice when it comes to ensuring the complete destruction of harmful organisms.