In a three-compartment sink, what is the correct setup?

• A. Rinse first, wash second, sanitize third
• B. Wash in the first sink, rinse in the second, sanitize in the third; air dry on a clean rack.
• C. Wash first, sanitize second, rinse third
• D. Sanitize first, wash second, rinse third

Answer: (B)

In a three-compartment sink, the dishes should go through a wash, then a rinse, then a sanitize step, and finish with air drying on a clean rack. Start with washing in the first sink using hot, soapy water to remove soil and grease. Move to the second sink for a rinsing with clean water to remove soap and any loosened particles. Finish in the third sink by sanitizing to kill remaining microbes, following the sanitizer’s recommended concentration and contact time. After sanitizing, allow items to air dry on a clean rack to prevent recontamination from towels or dirty surfaces. This order ensures soils are removed before disinfection and drying doesn’t reintroduce contaminants.