The humble mug plays an essential role in the office environment, holding your coffee, showcasing your personality, and providing warmth. However, are you giving it the care and attention it deserves by washing it regularly? Opinions on mug-cleaning habits vary widely. A survey of over 2000 British adults revealed that while many claim to wash their mugs after every use, a significant number admit to only rinsing or not washing them at all. Surprisingly, experts suggest that the bacteria in an unwashed mug are mostly harmless, originating from the user themselves. More concerning, though, are the germs introduced during cleaning. Office sponges, which are often bacteria hotspots, can contaminate mugs with dangerous germs, including fecal bacteria. To avoid this, experts recommend using paper towels, soap, and hot water or taking mugs home to clean them in a dishwasher. So, while frequent washing is advisable, the method and tools you use are equally important.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.