With Expo Hire, simply return your used crockery, cutlery, and glassware. We handle the cleaning, so you don't have to.
With Expo Hire, simply return your used crockery, cutlery, and glassware. We handle the cleaning, so you don't have to.
Expo Hire understands that after a successful event, the last thing you want to face is a mountain of dirty dishes. Washing up is a chore at the best of times, and the morning after a busy event, it can feel particularly grim. That’s why we make ‘send it back dirty’ a mandatory and included option for all our crockery, cutlery, and glassware hire orders. You focus on your event, and we’ll handle the washing.
We operate a professional wash plant capable of handling thousands of items each week. While our team and equipment are designed for this task, a few simple steps from you can make the entire process run even more smoothly, ensuring your items are returned in the best possible condition for us to clean.
Crockery is our most frequently hired item. Whether you need plates for a formal dinner, bowls for a buffet, or cups for a tea reception, we wash several thousand pieces every week, especially during our busy summer season. Our professional wash plant operates much like a high-capacity commercial dishwasher, and it requires a similar level of preparation to function at its best.
Before repacking your hired crockery, please scrape any significant food debris into a bin. This is a crucial step. Food waste left on plates or in bowls can begin to ferment during transit. This fermentation can create unpleasant odours and, in some cases, make the crockery difficult or impossible to clean effectively. If items are returned excessively soiled, it can lead to replacement charges, as we may not be able to restore them to a hygienic standard.
To help us streamline our warehouse operations, please try to pack similar-sized items together in their original boxes or crates. While we understand this isn't always perfectly achievable, grouping items like dinner plates with dinner plates, and side plates with side plates, saves our team a noticeable amount of time when sorting and loading the wash plant.
We process a significant volume of cutlery each week. While washing cutlery is generally less demanding than washing plates, a little preparation from your end makes a considerable difference. As with crockery, please scrape off any food residue from your hired cutlery before repacking it. Pay particular attention to larger serving spoons or items with intricate designs where food can easily lodge.
This simple action keeps the packing boxes cleaner and significantly reduces the risk of unpleasant smells or mould forming before the boxes reach our warehouse. A clean start for the washing process means a better result for everyone.
One of the primary reasons we made ‘send it back dirty’ compulsory for glassware is to minimise breakages. Glassware is most susceptible to damage during the manual cleaning process. By handling the washing ourselves in our controlled environment, we can significantly reduce the risk of chips, cracks, or complete breakages. This protects your event budget and ensures we can reuse the glassware for future hires.
Before packing your hired glassware, please ensure all glasses are completely emptied of any liquid or food residue. It takes surprisingly little time for mould to develop in dirty glasses, especially in warmer conditions. This mould can be stubborn to remove and can cause issues when the glassware arrives back at our warehouse.
When repacking your glassware, it is vital to place them back into their crates in the same orientation they were delivered. We use specialist crates designed for specific glass types, and they are packed in a precise way to provide maximum protection during transit. Incorrect packing can lead to glasses knocking against each other, increasing the risk of damage.
For our linen hire, the cleaning process is entirely different. Unlike crockery, cutlery, and glassware, we do not apply a ‘send it back dirty’ fee. The cost of professional linen cleaning is factored into the overall hire price. We ask that you do not attempt to clean linen yourself.
However, there are steps you can take to prevent damage and avoid potential replacement charges. Please return all linen in the bags provided. Ensure the linen is dry and free from significant food debris, wax, or glue. Wet linen can quickly develop mildew, which can stain the fabric permanently. Similarly, dried wax or hardened glue can be very difficult to remove without damaging the fibres.
By following these simple guidelines, you help Expo Hire maintain the quality and hygiene of our extensive hire stock. This ensures that every event you plan, whether large or small, is supported by the best possible equipment, returned to us in a condition that allows for efficient and effective professional cleaning.
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