Final answer:
The third step in the process of cleaning and sanitizing dishes in a three-compartment sink is rinsing, which removes soap residue and particles from the dishes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The third step of the five-step process for cleaning and sanitizing dishes in a three-compartment sink is rinse. After washing the dishes in the first sink with detergent and warm water to remove food and debris, it is essential to rinse them in the second sink with clean water. After washing the dishes with soap and water in the first compartment and sanitizing them in the second compartment, the dishes need to be rinsed with clean water in the third compartment to remove any remaining soap or sanitizing solution. This helps to ensure that the dishes are safe for use. This step removes any remaining soap residue and particles from the dishes, preparing them for the third compartment where they will be sanitized. Rinsing is a critical step to ensure the effectiveness of the sanitization process that follows.