Warewashing is a term used to describe collecting and washing any kitchenware used in the preparation, serving, or storing of food. This list generally refers to pots, pans, cutlery, flatware, glasses, kitchenware, serving pans and trays.
To clean these items, compartment sinks are convenient, but in some cases they are mandatory. Most health and sanitation standards require that restaurants have a sink with three or more compartments to manually clean utensils and the smaller equipment. Washing these items and others is not as simple as it may seem. Washing restaurant utensils and equipment must follow standards. Here are the steps needed to properly clean and sanitize restaurant equipment.
It is a three-step process:
- First you need to remove any leftover food residue. Rinse, scrape or soak all items that are going to be cleaned. Now you are going to wash the items in the first compartment of the sink that is filled with water. This water should be heated up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and should also contain a detergent. When the water becomes murky or the suds disappear, drain the sink and refill.
- After you have successfully scrubbed clean some items, rinse them in the second compartment. Warm water should be used to do this. You can hold the items under running water to remove traces of detergent.
- The last step is to sanitize all of the items in the final compartment. Soak items in hot water with a sanitizing solution added. Be sure to follow the time and temperature requirements of the specific sanitizer you are using. Once the items have soaked for the appropriate amount of time, you can remove them from the solution. Place them on a clean, dry surface to air dry. Usually a compartment sink with a drain board is used for this purpose.
One last thing to keep in mind is that the equipment and utensils can only be as clean as the unit they are washed it. It is important to clean and sanitize the compartment sink before you start using it.
If you are looking for solid and liquid warewashing products, we can help. Advanced Chemical Solutions offers all your cleaning and sanitation solutions. We combine a full range of chemical products with reliable service.
