what is the correct order of steps for cleaning and sanitizing utensils by hand
The correct order of steps for cleaning and sanitizing utensils by hand is:
- Scrape away leftover food.
- Wash in hot water with dish soap/detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Sanitize (in very hot water or a proper chemical sanitizing solution for the required contact time).
- Let utensils air-dry completely (do not towel dry).
This sequence helps remove visible debris, then grease and residue, then kills remaining germs, and finally avoids re‑contamination from towels.