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The process of removing outer contaminants through actions like wiping with alcohol is identified as decontamination. This term encompasses a variety of methods designed to make equipment or surfaces safe for handling by reducing the microbial load, which includes bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Decontamination does not necessarily eliminate all forms of microorganisms, but it significantly lowers their numbers to a safe level.

In practice, wiping surfaces with alcohol serves to remove or kill many contaminants, thereby making the environment safer. This is especially important in medical and clinical settings where maintaining a clean environment is critical for patient safety and infection control.

Disinfection, while also a method aimed at reducing pathogens, typically involves more stringent processes that focus on killing a greater number of microorganisms on inanimate objects. Sterilization goes further by eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is usually achieved through high heat or chemical agents. Sanitization generally refers to reducing the number of germs to safe levels according to public health standards, but it does not emphasize the removal of visible contaminants as decontamination does.

Thus, decontamination is the most accurate term for the action of wiping surfaces with alcohol to remove contaminants.