Dirty mugs in the sink are the most common office kitchen complaint. A simple system fixes it.
Mug washing works when it is clear who runs and unloads the dishwasher. The simplest system is a weekly rota plus a rule that everyone puts their mug straight into the dishwasher, not the sink. Without a dishwasher, everyone washes their own mug right after use.
The rota
The person on duty starts the dishwasher at the end of the day and unloads it in the morning. Post the rota next to it.
Rules for everyone
- Mugs go in the dishwasher, not the sink.
- Scrape food into the bin before loading.
- Whoever notices the dishwasher has finished unloads it.
Fewer dishes to wash
Some drinks can be served in disposable cups, for example from a coffee vending machine (publisher's site), but keep the option of using your own mug.
FAQ
Is an office dishwasher necessary? No, but with a larger team it makes keeping tidy much easier.
How do we avoid rota disputes? Plan the rota ahead and allow swaps.