What is the purpose of putting silverware in a restaurant into hot water?

Question

I've noticed a number of my customers doing this, and I just have to ask, why? What is the point in putting your silverware into hot water? Some of them add salt as well. Any guesses?

Answer 1

steralization

Answer 2

hot water, not warm, kills bacteria.

Answer 3

ignorance.and, being a sheeple....b/c they saw someone else do it, they do it,too.

Answer 4

They probably noticed how dirty it was and are trying to make it cleaner.  My question is, where do they find the hot water?  Do they specifically ask the waitress for a cup of hot water?  Good idea!  I'd like to clean my silverware as well next time I eat out.

Answer 5

kills bacteria

Answer 6

They think that they are sterilizing the silverware. It's crazy because they are eating off the plates that was wash in the same dish water that the forks were in. I know.. It's crazy.

Answer 7

Are you serious ~ you really don't know why?

I hope that you don't clean the dishes I eat on

Answer 8

Well it does seem strange since most restaurants sterilize the silverware.  I haven't seen or done this but I would think they might feel that it might be contaminated by the bus help that set the table (they handle the silverware at the table and probably at the dish washer).  There is some sense here for two reasons.  First, they are the ones that clear the previous table and have handled used dishes and silverware used by the previous customers, they can pass any disease on.  Second, the bus help (or even waiters) may not be able to afford health care or being out sick so they might spread something they have, like hepatitis.

Response to additional details.

I used the wrong term although I do remember hearing sterilize at one time.  The term I should have used is sanitizing.  The temperature is about 180 degrees Fahrenheit and kills 99.999 % of the bacteria.  That temperature  is still more than what a human can stand.  

I was not trying to say that they were right in putting the silverware in the hot water but a thought on their logic and a possible way the silverware could be contaminated after being washed.   Personally, I think the answer is paranoia more than anything.