Final answer:
After washing and rinsing in a three-compartment sink, items should be sanitized and then left to air dry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The next step after washing and rinsing items in a three-compartment sink is to sanitize them. Sanitizing is crucial as it reduces the number of microorganisms on the surface to a safe level. After sanitizing, the items should be left to air dry on a clean and sanitized surface to prevent contamination from towels or cloths that might not be entirely clean.
It is important to follow this procedure to ensure the items are safe for future use, especially in food service or medical environments. Using hot water, chemicals, or an approved sanitizing solution can effectively sanitize the items. After the sanitization process, no additional rinsing is required if the sanitizer is at the proper concentration; items should move straight to air drying.