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Chapter 8 Bonus Video Clip: Using a Three-Compartment Sink

Chef Draz: Another way to clean smallwares and less often plates, glasses, and flatware is by using a three-compartment sink. It's called this because it has three adjacent sinks used to clean, rinse, and sanitize small equipment and utensils.

In addition to the three compartments, there is a drain board on each side. The area next to the wash sink is where the dirty items go before washing. Here's how to set up a three-compartment sink.

Fill the wash compartment with hot water and the appropriate detergent in the proper amount. Adding too much or too little detergent can negatively impact the cleaning process. Fill up the middle sink with hot water. Fill the third sink with a chemical sanitizer and water solution following the manufacturer's instructions. Using a test-strip, be sure that you have the proper amount of sanitizer solution.

The first step in using a 3-compartment sink is to scrape large food particles ideally into a compost bin, or into a garbage can or disposal. Submerge the item in the soapy water and scrub with a brush, sponge, or abrasive pad. You might want to wear protective gloves as the water may be pretty hot. Next rinse the soap from the item by submerging it in the rinse sink. Submerge the item in the third sink filled with sanitizing solution. Leave the cleaned items in the sanitation sink for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer.

Heat sanitizing is rarely used in the three-compartment sink because the water must be over 180 degrees Fahrenheit. It's difficult to keep the water at this temperature and safely handle items.

Place sanitized items on the drain board and allow them to air-dry. You may need to use a drying rack for certain items. As you work, you may need to change the water in the wash sink if it becomes dirty, greasy, or cool. You may also need to change the water in the rinse sink once it becomes dirty or cool. Periodically check the solution in the sanitizing sink with a test strip as shown in the previous segment. If the solution becomes too weak, drain and replace it. Also, NEVER leave knives, or sharp objects in a sink. A serious injury could result if someone put their hand into the water.

When you don't have time to run items through a dishmachine or items are too big for your dishwasher, three- compartment sinks are a great option.

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