What is the purpose of using test strips in a glass washer?

Using test strips in a glass washer primarily serves the purpose of confirming the proper sanitizing concentration. These test strips are designed to measure the levels of sanitizing agents, such as chlorine or quaternary ammonium compounds, in the rinse water of the glass washer. Ensuring that the sanitizing concentration is within the recommended range is critical for effective sanitation, as it helps eliminate pathogens and ensures that glassware is safe for serving food and beverages.

It is important to maintain the correct concentration of sanitizer because this not only impacts the safety and health standards but also affects the visibility and cleanliness of the glassware. If the concentration is too low, harmful microorganisms may survive, while too high a concentration can leave residues or cause etching on glass surfaces.

While test strips could theoretically provide indirect information about other factors such as detergent levels or physical cleanliness, they are specifically formulated for assessing sanitizer concentration, making this the primary function of the test strips in such a setting. Other options, while relevant to cleaning processes, do not directly align with the specific function of these test strips in verifying sanitation levels.