I had a great experience whilst flying with VAA to Barbados. The cabin crew came up with a cunning plan??? They started a competition with the kids on board. What the kids had to do was try to make their families meal trays look just like they did when they were given to them.(minus the food). Most of the pax I could see had kids with them and they were all trying for the prize.
The result was that most trays were easily slid into the trollies and the job was done in no time...they certainly didn't need gloves.
All the kids were given a bag of sweets for their efforts..I'm sure thats a small price to pay!!!