Why should you avoid using a towel to dry a freshly washed dish?

Using a towel to dry freshly washed dishes can introduce harmful bacteria to clean surfaces, making this a critical reason to avoid the practice. Even clean towels can harbor microorganisms, especially if they haven’t been washed or dried thoroughly. This can be particularly concerning in a food service environment like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where hygiene is paramount.

While other choices address valid concerns—such as towels potentially being less absorbent, not lint-free, or even scratching dishes—the risk of transferring bacteria from a towel directly onto sanitized dishes poses a significant health risk. Ensuring that dishes are air-dried or using a method that minimizes the risk of contamination is essential for maintaining food safety standards.