afwaswerk

Afwaswerk, literally 'washing up', is the activity of cleaning dishes and cooking utensils after meals. It includes washing, scrubbing, rinsing, drying, and storing items such as plates, bowls, cutlery, pots, pans, and glassware. In Dutch usage, afwaswerk can refer to both the tasks and the overall duty involved.

In households, afwaswerk is a common daily chore typically performed by residents and can be done by hand or with a dishwasher. The routine usually starts with scraping and pre-washing, followed by washing with soap, a rinse, and a final dry before items are returned to cupboards. Efficient workflows aim to minimize water and energy use.

In commercial kitchens, afwaswerk denotes the dishwashing operation and area. Staff process used dishes, sort items, pre-wash, run them through industrial washing machines or pot wash stations, rinse, sanitize, and air-dry or manually dry before returning them to service. Hygiene, temperature controls, and proper load management are essential, and equipment typically includes pass-through and conveyor dishwashers, pot sinks, and drying racks.

The term contrasts with other kitchen tasks such as food preparation or cooking and reflects a category of domestic labor. In some contexts, afwaswerk is valued as routine work or as part of job division in households and restaurants.