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

The last step in the cleaning and sanitizing process is air drying the surface. After cleaning and sanitizing, it is essential to allow the surfaces to air dry because air drying prevents the recontamination of the surfaces by dust, debris, and bacteria that may be present in the environment. Additionally, proper air drying ensures that the sanitizing solution can effectively eliminate pathogens by allowing it to remain on the surface for the duration required for efficacy.

While cleaning, rinsing, and sanitizing are critical steps, air drying is crucial to ensure that no moisture is trapped on the surfaces, as moisture can harbor bacteria and reduce the effectiveness of the sanitization process. It is important to avoid wiping surfaces dry with cloths or towels because this can introduce new contaminants. Thus, proper air drying is the final step in completing the cleaning and sanitizing process effectively.