The invention relates to a method for reducing the total bacteria count in aqueous dispersions by means of sterile filtration of said dispersions using deep-bed filters (18, 22) pertaining to at least one deep-bed filter device, under pre-determined conditions, notably the temperature of the non-filtered part, the differential pressure in the deep-bed filters (18, 22) and the flow speed of the non-filtered part in the respective deep-bed filter device. Known methods are further improved by using non-homogeneous two-phase or multi-phase mixtures as aqueous dispersions, especially in the form of animal milk and products obtained therefrom such as skimmed milk having a pre-determined dispersant content, especially of lipids and proteins, and by the fact the deep-bed filters (18, 22) of the respective deep-bed filter device are electrically uncharged (unpolar), in that the total bacteria count in aqueous dispersions can be efficiently reduced by means of sterile filtration in a cost-effective manner and with high flow rates on a commercial scale, avoiding the pre-deposition of lipids and/or proteins before the actual sterile filtration.