Final answer:
The correct method to dry tableware and equipment is air drying, as it prevents contamination and bacterial growth. Water alone doesn't clean oily substances effectively because it doesn't mix with oil without soap to emulsify it. For regular cleaning, tools are reused, except when precision is required, like with optical components.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct way to dry tableware, equipment, and food contact surfaces is air drying. Using shared towels or wiping with a dirty cloth can introduce new contaminants or leave behind debris, while leaving items wet can encourage the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Regarding the cleaning of the salad bowl, water alone was not effective because water and oil do not mix, and the water cannot remove the oily film without the aid of soap or detergent, which can emulsify the oil allowing it to be rinsed away.
Additionally, for most cleaning applications, such as in the kitchen or for general cleaning, the tools (cloths, sponges, etc.) are designed for repeated use, except in situations that require precise cleaning, like optical components. Here, any collected debris in the cleaning cloth could scratch sensitive surfaces, so a fresh cloth must be used for each wipe.