What should dirty cutlery be placed in?

Dirty cutlery should be placed in a sanitizer solution or ice water because this method is designed to effectively clean and sanitize the utensils, ensuring that they are free from harmful bacteria and safe to use again. Sanitizer solutions are specifically formulated to kill pathogens, making them an essential part of food safety protocols in food service environments. Ice water can also be utilized to prevent food residue from drying on the cutlery, which can make cleaning more difficult later on.

Using a more general solution like hot water or soapy water may not provide the same level of sanitization required by health guidelines, and bleach solutions, while effective for disinfecting, are not typically recommended for direct contact with cutlery due to their potential toxicity and the risk of improperly rinsing them afterward.