Before manually washing dishes in the 3 compartment sink, the first thing that needs to be done is to?

Before manually washing dishes in a 3-compartment sink, it's essential to clean and sanitize all three compartments of the sink. This step is critical for ensuring that the workspace is free of contaminants before any food contact surfaces are introduced.

Cleaning the compartments involves removing any food debris, grease, or previous residues that could transfer onto the dishes. Sanitizing the compartments afterward is equally important, as it reduces the risk of any harmful microorganisms being present, ensuring that the next items washed in the sink are safe for food use. This foundational preparation helps maintain food safety standards and prevents cross-contamination during the dishwashing process.

The other steps, such as adding water or detergents, are important parts of the washing process but should only be performed after verifying that the sink itself is clean and sanitized. This systematic approach underscores the importance of maintaining a hygienic environment in food preparation areas.