What is the correct sequence to wash dishes by hand?

The correct sequence for washing dishes by hand is to wash, rinse, sanitize, and then air dry. This method ensures that any food residue and grease are effectively removed from the dishes, utensils, and cookware.

Washing comes first, as it involves using hot, soapy water to clean the items. This step is crucial to eliminate any food particles or bacteria present on the surfaces. Following this, rinsing helps remove any soap or leftover debris, ensuring that the dishes are clean and free from any cleaning agents that could contaminate food.

Next, sanitation is an essential step to further reduce any remaining bacteria that may still be on the dishes after washing and rinsing. This is typically done using a sanitizing solution, which is important for food safety, especially if the dishes will be used for food preparation or serving.

Lastly, air drying is recommended over using a towel to dry dishes, as this prevents the transfer of bacteria that could occur through contact with a potentially contaminated towel.

This sequence adheres to food safety guidelines, ensuring that all surfaces are properly cleaned, sanitized, and dried to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Other sequences may skip important steps or put surfaces at risk of contamination that could lead to health issues.