Summary
How to Prevent Re-Contamination After Sanitizing
Sanitizing only works if dishes remain sanitary after they leave the dishwasher. Improper drying is one of the fastest ways to undo a perfect wash cycle—and it is a high-visibility inspection item.
Rule #1: Air Dry Only — No Exceptions
After washing and sanitizing:
Dishes must air dry completely
Never towel dry
Never wipe with cloths or paper towels
Never stack while wet
Why this matters:
- Towels reintroduce bacteria
- Hands reintroduce contamination
- Moist stacking traps bacteria and creates mold risk
Health inspectors cite towel drying immediately.
Where & How Clean Dishes Should Air Dry
Clean dishes must air dry on:
- NSF-approved drying racks
- Clean outfeed tables
- Slanted drain boards
- Polymer storage racks with airflow
Drying surfaces must be:
☐ Clean and sanitized
☐ Separated from dirty dish zones
☐ Free of standing water
☐ Protected from splash and foot traffic
Never air dry:
- On dirty tables
- On cardboard
- On wooden shelves
- On the floor
- Under leaking plumbing
Proper Positioning for Drying
Glasses → Upside down, evenly spaced
Plates → Vertical where possible
Bowls → Nested correctly (not sealed together)
Utensils → Mixed orientation (handles up & down)
Sheet pans → Vertical for airflow
Flat stacking traps moisture and prevents full drying.
When Can Dishes Be Stored?
Only store dishes when they are:
- Completely dry
- Cool to the touch
- Free of visible moisture
- Free of spotting or residue
Storing wet dishes causes:
- Bacterial growth
- Odor development
- Spots and streaks
- Rewash labor
- Inspection risk
Clean Storage Rules After Drying
Once dry, clean dishes must be stored:
☐ Off the floor
☐ On NSF-approved shelving
☐ Away from splash zones
☐ Below lip-height of shelves
☐ Not under sewer or water lines
High-Humidity Dishrooms: Extra Drying Controls
Facilities with high steam volume (hood-type, conveyor, flight machines) should also use:
- Type II condensation hoods
- Exhaust ventilation
- Air movers or make-up air
- Extended drying racks
Without proper ventilation:
- Dishes stay wet too long
- Mold develops
- Re-contamination increases
Common Drying-Related Inspection Failures
- Towel drying
- Wet stacking
- Clean dishes stored under leaky pipes
- Dirty debris on clean drying tables
- Standing water on outfeed tables
- Cross-traffic from dirty dish zone through drying area
Aldevra Drying Best Practice
If it touches a towel, it is no longer sanitary—no matter how hot the rinse was.
