A handmade mug is meant to be used every single day. Ours are made from high-fired porcelain or stoneware with a food-safe, lead-free glaze, so they are sturdy everyday pieces, not ornaments. Still, a little care goes a long way. Here is how we look after our own mugs in the studio.
Can handmade mugs go in the dishwasher?
Yes. Every HUE Atelier mug is dishwasher and microwave safe. That said, gentle hand washing is the best way to keep a glaze looking new for years. Dishwasher detergents are quite abrasive, and over hundreds of cycles they can slowly dull a glossy surface. If you use the dishwasher, place the mug securely on the top rack so it cannot knock against other dishes.
The everyday routine
- Rinse soon after use. Coffee and tea are easiest to wash away before they dry.
- Use a soft sponge and mild soap. Skip steel wool and scouring pads, which can scratch the glaze.
- Dry it upright or upside down on a rack so air can reach the inside.
Removing coffee and tea stains
Light-coloured interiors can pick up a faint ring from coffee or tea over time. To lift it, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, rub it gently over the stain with a soft cloth, then rinse well. For stubborn marks, let the mug soak in warm water with a spoonful of baking soda for an hour before washing.
Avoid sudden temperature changes
Ceramics do not like thermal shock. Avoid pouring boiling water into a mug that has just come out of the freezer or a cold car, and never put a mug straight from a hot microwave into cold water. Mugs are also not designed for direct heat, so keep them away from stovetops, ovens on the grill setting and open flames.
Caring for sculptural handles
Our squiggle, wave, zigzag and loop handles are shaped to be held comfortably, but like any handle they are the most exposed part of a mug. A few habits help:
- Lift a full mug by the handle, but avoid swinging it or hanging it from a hook by the handle.
- When storing mugs, leave a little space so handles do not knock into each other.
- In the sink, wash the mug on its own rather than at the bottom of a pile of pans.
On raised or textured designs, such as relief details or hand-built vine handles, a soft brush helps clean into the grooves.
Why every mug looks slightly different
Each piece is shaped, glazed and finished by hand, so glaze depth, colour and the curve of a handle vary slightly from one mug to the next. These small differences are not defects; they are the signature of studio ceramics. If you ever notice a crack, a chip in the glaze where you drink, or a leak, stop using the mug and get in touch with us.
Find your everyday mug
Ready for a cup that makes your mornings feel a little more you? Browse our handmade mugs or the sculptural pieces in the Funky Collection.