How can I get my coworkers to clean up after themselves at work?

Question

Every time I walk into the kitchen at work, the sink is full of dirty dishes (coffee mugs, cups, glasses, etc..) and it's gotten so bad that mold was growing in a few of the cups in the sink. GROSS! I am usually the one that goes in and cleans it all up. When we asked them to wash dishes afterward, they just rinse it with water! no soap!! Thats when people started getting sick and I refused to drink out of any of those cups.

Should I get some cups, put name labels on them and that way we know who didn't clean up after themselves?

constructive suggestions welcome. only serious answers please.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

First, stop cleaning up and mothering the office. People are lazy and if someone is cleaning up after them, they won't clean up after themselves.

I agree with the comment above by Zynr, the office manager should take care of this issue. The manager should be the one going to the sink and throwing out all of the old, dirty, moldy dishes. Obviously, these aren't family heirlooms since people treat those items that way.

Personally, in my area, we have 30 people using a common kitchenette. I avoid using the common fridge and fortunate that people do keep the sink clear.

Edit... Signs won't work... People that leave stuff in sinks and don't clean up after themselves won't pay attention to signs.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks!

Answer 2

the most constructive thing to do is to fire them! if you can talk to the boss or something. its sick.
or if someone threatens to fire them, then maybe they'll get some work done. or put cameras in the kitchen. that way they wont slack off or "rinse with water".
and you shouldnt have to do their work.
gl

Answer 3

I would bring in my own cup with my name on it, and dare someone to use it. I would defiantly not clean up after anyone. If it is really this bad then I would tell someone in management. This is a health issue, and it is there job to resolve it, not yours.

Answer 4

We put up a big sign over the sink "Your Mother doesn't work here!"

Answer 5

If these coworkers are your peers, then talk to the boss or someone in authority about it. If that person isn't taking responsibility to make sure it happens, and happens properly, then it's that person is isn't doing his/her job. If this is a place that serves food, it could be quickly shut down. If not, then someone has to make ALL who use that kitchen take responsibility. Otherwise, if you want it clean, you'll have to either continue to do it yourself, or consider not using the kitchen. And NO!! People should NOT be singled out!! That's a good way to make enemies... fast!