In what way should pots and pans be dried after washing in a three-compartment sink?

Pots and pans should be dried by air-drying after washing in a three-compartment sink to ensure they remain sanitary. Air-drying allows any remaining moisture to evaporate completely, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and avoids contamination that could occur from using towels or other drying methods. Using a towel, for example, can introduce bacteria from the towel onto the clean surface of the pots and pans, negating the efforts of the washing process. Similarly, placing items in a dryer or in standing water does not effectively eliminate water or prevent contamination. Air-drying is a best practice in food safety.