What is the proper procedure for cleaning and sanitizing utensils?

The proper procedure for cleaning and sanitizing utensils is to wash them with detergent, rinse, and then apply sanitizer. This method is effective because it ensures that any food particles, grease, or contaminants are first removed by the detergent during washing. Rinsing helps eliminate any soap residue that could interfere with the effectiveness of the sanitizer. Finally, applying a sanitizer reduces the number of pathogens to safe levels, making the utensils safe for food preparation or serving.

Using vinegar alone, as suggested in another option, does not provide the thorough cleaning necessary before sanitizing and may not effectively kill all harmful microorganisms. Simply wiping utensils with a cloth does not adequately clean or sanitize them, which can lead to food safety risks. Relying only on hot water is insufficient for effective sanitization, as it may not remove all residue and does not guarantee pathogen elimination. Therefore, the recommended approach involves a combination of washing, rinsing, and sanitizing to ensure the utensils are properly cleaned and sanitized.