Think it is comparable to the build up in a pipe. Unless it interferes with the flow, I leave it alone.

I learnt from my ole Navy Chief that washing a coffe mug was Taboo, and I passed this tradition on as I gained rank. To this day, I just rinse it out and let it drip dry. But I wouldn't freak if my wife washed it.

If you are talking plastic, which I use in the boat, DO NOT USE SCENTED SOAP! My wife washed my BPS fishing mug in that pink Dawn soap and I couldn't stand to drink out of it for a month. It had that 'pink taste' to it!

I rinse mine out with hot water from time to time but never use soap. My normal, everyday, porcelain mugs get ran threw the dishwasher every week or so. Can't tell the difference there. (I don't fish with them, though!)

Kevin

I knew a guy that was in the Navy and he was teh same way, well sort of. But he would not even let anything other than coffee touch his mug. One time his wife washed it and this guy was in the foulest of moods for like week.

To me that kind of nasty, but as long as you keep your distance, I don't care.

The only thing I like to do is scratch my butt right before eating chicken wings, it gives them really great taste

I will say that the only coffee mugs to not get washed onboard ship was the one who drank their coffee straight.

Those that required creamer and such always got a rinse.

Navy traditions, I wonder with the influx of women on Ships if some traditions have changed.

Matt