[Deanerator]

I just started NOT washing my mug. Residue is building, my wife thinks its gross but it seems to hold flavor in better. What are your thoughts??

[wheeledgoat]

It's my understanding, for the brewing vessel at least, that you definitely want to thoroughly clean between batches to remove oils that can impart off flavors.

In fact, I'm rather fanatical about cleaning my press at home and the drip maker at work. Every time, I take apart my press' plunger at home. At work, I wash the carafe, the basket, everything I can with hot soapy water. The times that I'm in a rush and don't, I can definitely tell a difference with the drip maker. The coffee is more bitter and not in a good way. I can't say I can tell a difference if I don't dissasemble the press' plunger, but I figure the theory is sound so I stick to it.

I just assumed that extended to my drinking mug.

Maybe letting it go for short periods of time is OK? I donno... You say it holds the flavor better? Do what works, my brother!

[kau]

I wash my mug out very well before each pour. To me coffee mugs aren't like an wok/iron skillet and build up quality flavor over time.

[bryce_wes]

I have to go with the washing way of things. I worked with a guy that never washed out his mug. He seemed to think that the taste improved, everyone else seemed to think that his mug smelled horribly. I just tend to be overly clean in all my cooking, eating and drinking.

[kau]

On the same note I can always taste a highly positive effect on cleaning a machine too. That build up in the machine and portafilter to me has a negative effect on taste.

[philrose]

I should probably wash my work mug more often. I usually just use some hot water and maybe a paper towel.

[Dunerunner]

Wash the mug. God only knows what's growing in there!!

[Wade E]

I agree to wash it!

[slatetank]

I sometimes wash thoroughly but have on occasion poured directly on the sludge after having a french pressed cup without any off flavors. I am in the wash camp, but don't think it hurts to have a second cup without washing

[bosunbrew]

Yeah, I don't think seasoning your mug is going to work out for the best. I'm in the Coast Guard, and everyone knows when the new guy thinks he's doing the Chief a favor by washing out his mug... all hell breaks loose because the Chief has to start seasoning the mug all over again. But, these Chiefs are the same guys that will drink the burliest burnt coffee black... puts hair on your chest? If you're trying to actually drink good coffee, you should keep things clean. Lots of mineral deposits will develop in your carafe or whatever you're brewing in, and as far as the mug goes, things will probably start to grow there if you don't wash it. For my mugs, I use soap and water. For my french press, I just use hot water and wipe it with a damp cloth every few days (I rinse really well between each use). There are probably better ways, but I like to minimize the soap that's on the press.