How To Clean and Sanitize in a 3-Compartment Sink

Before you clean and sanitize items in a three-compartment sink, make sure that you clean and sanitize each sink and drain board. There are 5 steps for cleaning and sanitizing in a 3-compartment sink.

Use the sink in the following manner:

• In the 1st compartment, wash with a clean detergent solution at or above 110˚F or at the temperature specified by the detergent manufacturer.
• In the 2nd compartment, rinse with hot clean water.
• In the 3rd compartment, sanitize with a sanitizing solution mixed at a concentration specified on the manufacturer’s label or by immersing in hot water at or above 171˚F for 30 seconds. Test the chemical sanitizer concentration by using an appropriate test kit.

1. Rinse, scrape, or soak all items before washing them.
2. Clean items in the first sink. Wash them in a detergent solution at least 110 ̊F (43 ̊C). Replace the water when the suds are gone or the water is dirty.
3. Rinse items in the second sink. Spray with water or dip them into it. Remove all traces of food and detergent. If dipping items, change rinse water when dirty or full of suds.
4. Sanitize items in the third sink. Soak in hot water or a sanitizer solution. Check the time and temperature requirements for the sanitizer you are using and use a test kit to check concentration.
5. Air dry all items. Place items upside down so they will drain.