What is the first step in the cleaning and sanitizing process?

The first step in the cleaning and sanitizing process is washing with hot soapy water. This step is essential because it helps to remove dirt, food particles, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces and equipment before any sanitizing takes place. Proper cleaning reduces the number of pathogens and contaminants present, making subsequent sanitizing much more effective.

Washing with hot soapy water activates the surfactants in the soap, allowing them to lift and remove debris and contaminants from surfaces. Without this initial cleaning, any sanitizing efforts may be less effective, as sanitizers require clean surfaces to work properly. Following the washing step, the equipment would typically be rinsed and then sanitized to ensure that any remaining harmful microorganisms are killed, but washing is critical as the foundational step in this process.