What is the first step in the proper manual ware washing process?

The first step in the proper manual ware washing process is to pre-wash, which involves scraping or rinsing off any large food particles and residues from the dishes before they go into the wash water. This crucial initial step helps to ensure that the subsequent washing process is more effective. By removing visible debris and residues, the actual washing step can focus on cleaning the surfaces that need it, rather than being hindered by leftover food.

This pre-wash also helps to prevent food buildup in the wash water, which can lead to cross-contamination and ineffective cleaning. It prepares the items for a thorough clean by allowing the detergent to work more efficiently on the surfaces that require sanitization.

The other steps, such as washing, rinsing, and sanitizing, follow this pre-wash and are critical to the overall cleaning process. However, starting with a pre-wash sets a solid foundation for those subsequent steps to be successfully carried out.