Which of the following is a method to sanitize a surface aside from soaking it?

Sanitizing a surface effectively is crucial in food safety to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. One effective method of sanitizing, aside from soaking, involves rinsing, swabbing, or spraying with a sanitizer solution. This method allows for direct contact of the sanitizer with the surface, ensuring that pathogens are effectively reduced to safe levels.

The use of a sanitizer solution in this manner is particularly effective because it allows for a more controlled and directed application of the sanitizing agent, making it more likely to cover all areas of the surface properly. After applying the sanitizer, the surface is typically left wet for a specified contact time to ensure the chemicals can work effectively against contaminants.

Other methods, while they may play a role in cleaning or reducing surface bacteria, do not provide the same level of effectiveness in sanitizing. For example, heating to boiling point can sanitize surfaces, but it primarily applies to heat-tolerant items and may not be practical for all surfaces. Wiping with a dry cloth does not involve any sanitizing solution, and using plain water does not kill harmful microorganisms, making these methods less reliable for achieving proper sanitation.