How Do I Care For My Mug?

In general, mugs are pretty easy to keep clean. Make sure that you wash your mug with a damp cloth or sponge between uses, and you will tend to be okay. Ceramic, plastic and enamelled mugs are usually dishwasher safe, but as a general rule, it is not advisable to put delicate materials like porcelain or bone china in a dishwasher. Do not use a scourer on any mug, as this can damage the glaze or enamel.

Cleaning Built Up Cup Stains

Over time, tea and coffee stains can build up on your mug, giving it an unpleasant colour and giving a bitter taste to your beverages. In the event of staining, most mugs can be cleaned by filling them with warm water, stirring in a teaspoon or two of bicarbonate of soda, and leaving them to soak. In the event of heavy staining, wet the inside of the cup with lemon juice or vinegar. Apply a little salt or bicarbonate to a damp cloth, and gently rub the affected area.

Steel mugs are a more resistant to scratching, so while the soak-in-bicarbonate method is what we recommend, you will do no great harm if you use a brush to remove stains. In the case of steel vacuum flasks, a bottle brush can sometimes be the only way to get to the bottom of the inner flask.