Could anyone who practices sterilisation of instruments explain what their aim is?
Don't say to get them germ free:-)

Do you do the same with knives and forks at home, where it would make some sense?

Terry L Marshall B.A.(Law), M.B.Ch.B., F.R.C.Path
Consultant Histopathologist
Rotherham General Hospital, Yorkshire
terry.marshall@rgh-tr.trent.nhs.uk