How should cleaning cloths be stored to prevent contamination?

Cleaning cloths should be stored in a sanitizer solution to effectively prevent contamination. When cloths are kept in a sanitizing solution, they remain free from harmful pathogens and contaminants that can arise from contact with different surfaces or environments. This practice is essential in food safety, as it not only preserves the cleanliness of the cloths but also ensures that when the cloths are used to clean surfaces, they help to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Storing cloths in a dry area or hanging them on hooks can leave them exposed to airborne contaminants and do not provide any active means of sanitization. Simply placing them on a counter can pose similar risks, as it does not protect the cloths from coming into contact with contaminants present on surfaces. In contrast, a sanitizer solution actively kills bacteria and viruses, ensuring that when you use the cloths, you are not introducing harmful microorganisms into food preparation areas.