What is the proper order to clean surfaces after handling raw chicken?

• A. Rinse, wash with hot, soapy water, then sanitize.
• B. Wash with hot, soapy water, rinse, then sanitize with a bleach solution or approved sanitizer.
• C. Sanitize, then wash.
• D. Wipe with a towel, then sanitize.

Answer: (B)

After handling raw chicken, the goal is to remove contaminants first and then kill any remaining germs. The best order is to wash with hot, soapy water, rinse, then sanitize with a bleach solution or an approved sanitizer. Washing with soap and hot water helps lift and loosen dirt, grease, and bacteria from the surface. Rinsing afterward removes the soap plus the loosened debris, which prevents soap residues from getting in the way of the sanitizer. Finally, applying a sanitizer and letting it stay on the surface for the required contact time kills the remaining germs. If you skip the wash or try sanitizing first, dirt and bacteria can stay alive, making sanitizing less effective. Wiping alone isn’t enough to remove all contaminants, so this sequence ensures surfaces are truly clean and safe to use.