Many users confuse "clean install" with "low-level format" or "zero-fill wipe."
Clean installs are recommended when you want to start with a completely fresh environment, resolve deep system corruption that other repair methods can't fix, eliminate accumulated bloatware, or change your drive configuration or partitioning scheme. does clean install wipe all drives exclusive
The safest approach for a Linux clean install is to physically disconnect all drives except the target drive before beginning the installation. One Ubuntu user explained this approach: "For a clean install on one disk with your data on a different physical disk, I start with only the physical disk connected and powered. On that disk I let the Ubuntu distribution have free rein to wipe out and install as it decides best". Many users confuse "clean install" with "low-level format"