The correct order of steps for cleaning and sanitizing utensils by hand is:

  1. Scrape away leftover food.
  1. Wash in hot water with dish soap/detergent.
  1. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  1. Sanitize (in very hot water or a proper chemical sanitizing solution for the required contact time).
  1. 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.