What should be done with a cup if it is dirty before preparing a beverage?

Cleaning the cup before preparing a beverage is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring that the beverage remains uncontaminated. A dirty cup can harbor bacteria, food residues, or other contaminants that could negatively impact the flavor or safety of the drink. By cleaning the cup, you ensure that it is free from any unwanted substances, providing a safe and pleasant drinking experience.

Choosing to use the cup without cleaning it ignores these hygiene concerns and could potentially lead to health risks. Disposing of the cup might be overly wasteful if it is simply dirty and can be cleaned. Leaving the cup for later use without cleaning is also not advisable, as delaying action does not resolve the sanitary issue and could lead to further contamination over time. Cleaning is the most practical and responsible approach in this scenario.