Final answer:
The detergent water in a 3-compartment sink should be warm to hot for optimal cleaning efficiency, as hot water combined with surfactants in the detergent reduces surface tension and dissolves grease more effectively than cold water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The temperature of the detergent water in a 3-compartment sink should ideally be warm to hot. According to Libre Texts, dishwashing detergents are formulated to work under different conditions, and while some can be used with cold water, they generally work better with hot water. The reason warm to hot water is more effective is because it helps to reduce the surface tension of the water when combined with surfactants found in hand dishwashing detergents. This allows for more efficient cleaning and easier rinsing of dishes, as hot water helps to dissolve grease and grime more effectively than colder water. It is also common practice to rinse dishes with pure water to remove soap residue and prevent any potential taste alterations to food caused by detergent leftovers.