What is the proper method to clean and sanitize cookware and utensils?

The proper method to clean and sanitize cookware and utensils involves washing them with hot soapy water, rinsing them, and then sanitizing with an appropriate solution. This process ensures that any food residue, grease, or harmful bacteria are effectively removed from the surfaces of the utensils and cookware.

Using hot soapy water helps to break down and remove fats and stuck-on food particles, which is crucial for effective cleaning. Rinsing afterward removes the soap and any loosened debris, preparing the surface for the sanitization step. The final step of using an appropriate sanitizing solution—such as a chlorine bleach solution or a commercial sanitizer—kills any remaining germs, ensuring that the items are safe for food contact.

This thorough approach helps prevent foodborne illnesses by ensuring that the tools used for preparing food are not only clean but also sanitized, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of pathogens. Other methods, such as soaking in cold water or using a microwave, do not provide the same level of cleanliness and sanitization necessary for food safety.