DEAR READERS: A lot of you responded to a Sound Off about restaurant bussers wiping tables and seats with the same cloth. Here is what just a few of you had to say:
A reader, via email, wrote: “Even if the busser cleans the tables in that order, the next table will be wiped off after the seats at the previous table. The only way around this is to have the busser change cloths after wiping down each table, and I really can’t see owners agreeing to that!”
Jim in Ohio wrote: “I think I can shed some light on this subject. I have worked numerous jobs … and we always wiped down the table and then the seats, but the cloth was soaked in a disinfectant solution. The washcloths were rinsed out and stored in a bucket that contained this disinfectant solution - it really isn’t as unsanitary as it may look.”
Louise, via email, wrote: “I was a manager at a chain restaurant, and we were required to take two towels with us - one for the seats, and one for the tables. They were different colors, so there would be no mistaking it. If customers brought it to a manger’s attention, everyone would be reminded of proper procedure.”
This is one of the best ways I’ve heard. Keep writing.
DEAR HELOISE: I want to share a hint my mother gave me: Save and use the bags that cereal comes in.
They are great for sandwiches.
For keeping opened crackers and chips fresh.
Nuts can be crushed in them.
Washed lettuce stays crisp longer in them.
Graham crackers can be crushed in them.
- Sandra U., North Canton, Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: I have a two-story house and was tired of dragging my vacuum up and down the stairs. I bought a small, inexpensive vacuum, and I leave it upstairs. It fits nicely in a small storage closet.
- Veronica in Mississippi
DEAR HELOISE: I asked a waitress how she remembered whose drink was whose. She replied that she remembered people’s ties and necklines. I have a huge variety of coffee cups. When company comes over, I match a cup to the color of clothing a person is wearing so we don’t get them mixed up.
- Joanne B., Salem, Ore. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email [email protected]
ActiveStyle, Pages 28 on 09/23/2013