When employees don’t wash hands, readers get fired up

heloise

When employees don’t wash hands, readers get fired up

Dear Readers: Wow! A recent column about employees not washing their hands after using the restroom really struck a nerve with many readers. Here are just a few of your comments:

•Anne, via e-mail, says: “I also had an experience with an employee not washing his hands. I was waiting in line at a coffee shop and noticed an employee taking the trash out. He returned quickly to the coffee machine, and I realized he hadn’t washed his hands. When I received my coffee, I promptly asked to speak to the manager. I explained the situation and asked for another coffee. And employers should remind their employees daily that customers are watching.”

•Frank Strother, via e-mail, says, “Doesn’t it seem somewhat improper for wait staff to wear aprons in the restrooms, much less drying their hands on it?” Good point! Heloise

•Val, via e-mail, says: “I just finished reading the article on ‘Hand Washing,’ employees washing their hands and drying them on their apron. GROSS. Years ago, my husband and I were dining at a fine-dining restaurant, and I was in the ladies’ room along with another patron. As I was washing my hands, the other woman walked out without washing her hands. As I walked back to our table, I spied the woman and her seven dinner companions, passing the bread basket. Thank goodness I was finished eating, as it gave me a queasy feeling. I now carry a hand sanitizer in my purse and offer it out when the bread arrives.”

With flu season here and concerns about spreading germs, you would think people, especially in the food industry, would use good hygiene. Employers and employees, now is your chance to chime in! Let me know what you think. Heloise

P.S.: Would you actually say something to the employee who has not washed his or her hands?

Dear Heloise: I read a hint from a reader about cleaning baseball caps. She recommended cleaning the cap on the head while in the shower. There are very cheap plastic cap molds that allow you to put them in the washer and dry them in their correct shape. R.P., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Use a pant/skirt hanger to clamp on a cookbook to keep it open to the recipe page you are using, and hang to an upper cabinet knob to create more counter space and keep the cookbook from getting food spills. Sheila, Bakersfield, Calif.

Dear Heloise: To keep shoestrings from coming untied, wet the strings first and then tie. As the shoestrings dry, they tighten up. This works great every time for me. Jan K., Clear Spring, Md.

Dear Heloise: I found that to freshen up my cotton couches and chairs, I get a new dryer sheet and just rub it across the furniture. It gives a nice, fresh smell to the room. R.H., via e-mail

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate