DEAR ABBY: Three days a week I sit with Elsie, a 93-year-old lady who is partially sighted. Elsie always looks forward to hearing me read your column. The day the letter from "Robert in Orlando" appeared, we both thought you dropped the ball in your reply. He asked which is more hygienic -- leaving dishes to air-dry on the counter or drying them with a towel. Abby, you didn't answer his question! -- RICHARD KRUSE AND ELSIE HUNTER IN LOS ANGELES
DEAR RICHARD AND ELSIE: I'm embarrassed to admit that you're right. Among the many readers who pointed it out was a Texas gentleman who said, "You should run for public office immediately, Abby! Only a politician can get away with giving someone an answer without addressing the question." Ouch. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: Your answer about the proper method of drying dishes was right on the money. I've been in the restaurant business for 21 years -- from dishwasher to owner.
It is against the state health department code in every state in the United States to dry dishes (whether by hand or machine) any other way than to air-dry. A towel or cloth -- once wet -- becomes a breeding ground for micro-organisms that can cause illness. Just thought you'd like to know. -- "COOKIE" IN SIOUX CITY, IOWA
DEAR "COOKIE": Thank you for your professional input. Many other restaurateurs corroborated it. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: Give me a break! "Robert in Orlando," the dishwasher in the family, believes it's sanitary to let the dishes air-dry, while his wife insists they should be wiped dry with a towel. You advised that air-drying is perfectly safe -- but you missed a more important point.
Robert's controlling wife needs to understand that since HE is the dishwasher, HE gets to decide how to wash and dry the dishes. If his wife thinks his method is unsanitary or unsightly, SHE should do them herself! -- LINDA IN ST. PAUL, MINN.
DEAR LINDA: That's true. And she could use a paper towel. End of problem.