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The white glove test

Posted by Marian on March 14, 2002

As I understand this phrase, it refers to an inspection of a room for cleanliness. The idea is that, if the room is sufficiently clean, the inspector would be unable to find a speck of dust, even if he/she were to don white cotton gloves and run a gloved finger along every surface. I seem to remember this phrase from the late 50s/early 60s. I wonder if it's got a military origin or if it's just a relic from a TV commercial.

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