Which of the following is an essential step in proper manual dish cleaning?

The correct sequence for proper manual dish cleaning is to wash, rinse, sanitize, and then air dry. This process is vital in ensuring that all food contact surfaces are adequately cleaned and safe for use.

Washing involves using hot, soapy water to remove food particles and grease from dishes. Once washed, the dishes must be rinsed to eliminate soap residues and any remaining debris. The sanitization step is crucial, as it involves applying a sanitizing solution to kill any remaining bacteria or pathogens that may not have been removed through washing alone. Finally, air drying is recommended because it allows for the dishes to dry without introducing contaminants that can occur with towel drying.

This method adheres to food safety standards, ensuring that all items are safe for serving food. Other options may include steps that are out of this necessary sequence or introduce different processes that do not effectively reduce the risk of foodborne illness.