Rub-up

[…] Ben laid them [the knives and forks] side by side, counted them, and finding the number agree with his guests, said, “They’ll dow capital when they’ve had a bit of a rub up.”

Source: wiktionary

1910, Joseph Conrad, “The Secret Sharer” in ’Twixt Land and Sea, New York: Hodder & Stoughton, p. 168, He was still lingering in the pantry in the greatness of his zeal, giving a rub-up to a plated cruet stand the last thing before going to bed.

Source: wiktionary

1972, Dora Jessie Saint (as Miss Read), Tyler’s Row, Penguin, 1975, Part 1, Chapter 5, p. 51, ‘I should think all your lovely things get a rub-up weekly,’ said Diana, handing back the box. ‘Does anyone come to help you?’

Source: wiktionary

1889, Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, letter to his wife, cited in Some Records of the Life of Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, K.C.B., London: Hodder and Stoughton, p. 453, Altogether, it has been a most enjoyable trip to me. As much or as little company as I chose, and a rub up against a number of old acquaintances of all sorts.

Source: wiktionary