Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Remove all labels and packaging from your new mugs. Wash each mug in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. This removes manufacturing residue and prepares the glazed surface for beverages.

Everyday use: These 350ml mugs are sized perfectly for daily coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or other hot beverages. The generous capacity accommodates substantial servings without being oversized—ideal for leisurely drinking when you want your beverage to last through reading the morning paper or catching up with friends. The vibrant colours add visual interest to your kitchen, brightening up your day with every use.

Hot beverages: The specialist clay construction maintains even temperature, keeping hot drinks warm longer than standard ceramic mugs. Pour coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or other hot beverages directly into the 350ml mug—the capacity allows room for milk or cream without overfilling. The thick walls retain heat effectively whilst remaining comfortable to hold (though the mug will become warm—this is normal and expected).

Cold beverages: The mugs work equally well for cold drinks—iced coffee, cold milk, smoothies, or chilled beverages. The stoneware keeps drinks cold longer than thin ceramic. For maximum cooling, chill mugs in the fridge or freezer before use—the -23°C freezer-safe rating means you can pre-chill without concern. Cold beverages in a chilled stoneware mug stay refreshingly cold.

Microwave use: The mugs are completely microwave safe for heating beverages or reheating coffee that's gone cold. The 350ml capacity is ideal for microwave use—large enough for satisfying servings but not so large that heating takes excessive time. The mug will become warm along with the liquid due to heat retention, so use caution when removing—hold by the handle or use a towel.

Oven use: Whilst oven safe to 260°C, mugs are primarily designed for beverages. However, you could warm mugs in the oven before serving hot drinks (for maximum heat retention) or potentially use them for individual baked desserts like mug cakes. If using in the oven, always use oven gloves when handling—hot stoneware retains heat exceptionally well.

Coordinating with Le Creuset cast iron: The three-ring design creates visual harmony with Le Creuset cast iron cookware. If you own Cerise, Azure, or other coloured Le Creuset casseroles or cocottes, you can now serve coffee or tea in matching mugs, creating a seamless aesthetic from cooking to serving. This coordination is particularly appealing when entertaining or simply when you appreciate cohesive kitchen aesthetics.

Everyday cleaning: Allow mugs to cool before cleaning (particularly after hot beverages or microwave use). Wipe away any beverage residue. For dried coffee or tea stains, fill the mug with warm, soapy water and soak for 15-20 minutes to soften before washing. Hand wash and dry, or place in the dishwasher for a full cycle.

Dishwasher cleaning: The mugs are completely dishwasher safe. Place securely in the dishwasher, typically on the top rack or wherever they fit comfortably. The vibrant colours are permanent—fired at high temperatures during manufacturing—and won't fade, dull, or wash away through repeated dishwasher cycles. The three-ring design is moulded into the stoneware, so it won't wear away. Colours remain vivid after years of daily use.

Removing beverage stains: Coffee and tea can leave slight staining inside mugs over time, particularly with daily use. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to stained areas, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly. The non-porous glaze resists staining better than many materials, but occasional deep cleaning maintains pristine appearance.

Maintaining the glaze: The scratch-resistant glaze requires no special treatment. Avoid using metal spoons vigorously against the interior (though normal stirring causes no issues). The non-porous glazed surface won't absorb coffee or tea odours, even with daily use. The exterior colours are permanent and won't scratch or chip from normal handling.

Caring for the three-ring design: The raised rings are part of the stoneware itself—moulded during manufacturing rather than applied afterwards. They require no special care beyond normal mug cleaning. The shallow depth means residue doesn't typically lodge in the rings, but wipe along them during washing if needed. The pattern maintains its definition through years of use and washing.

Storage: Store mugs in cupboards or on open shelving—the vibrant colours add decorative appeal even when not in use. The 350ml size is standard, so they stack with other similarly sized mugs if needed (though stacking mugs requires care to prevent chipping). Many people prefer storing mugs on hooks or shelves where they're easy to access and the rainbow colours remain visible as kitchen decoration.

Temperature transitions: Whilst the stoneware handles extreme temperatures, avoid sudden dramatic changes. Don't pour boiling water into a mug straight from the freezer—allow it to reach room temperature first. Don't plunge a hot mug into cold water for cleaning. These gradual transitions extend longevity and prevent potential thermal shock.

Assigning colours: The six distinct colours make it easy to assign each household member or regular guest their own mug. This creates personal connection (people often develop strong preferences for "their" colour) and eliminates confusion about whose mug belongs to whom. The 350ml capacity suits most people's preferences—neither too large nor too small for everyday beverages.

Building a coordinated collection: If you own or plan to acquire Le Creuset cast iron cookware, these mugs with matching three-ring design integrate beautifully. Serve coffee in a Cerise mug alongside a Cerise casserole, or create rainbow presentations using different coloured pieces. The design continuity makes mixing and matching feel intentional rather than random, creating a cohesive aesthetic across your kitchen.

What to avoid: Don't use these mugs on direct heat sources like stovetops or open flames—they're designed for beverages and oven use only. Don't use harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool on the glaze (though normal washing causes no issues). Don't leave strongly pigmented beverages sitting in mugs for days if you want to prevent potential slight staining (though normal use presents no problems).

Long-term value: With proper care, these 350ml mugs should provide decades of daily use. The specialist clays and premium glaze are engineered for longevity, whilst the three-ring design is permanent—moulded into the stoneware itself. Clean promptly after use, avoid thermal shock, handle carefully to prevent chips (particularly on rims), and store thoughtfully. Follow these practices and your Rainbow Set becomes treasured mugs you'll reach for every morning.

Maintaining warranty coverage: Le Creuset's 10-year guarantee covers manufacturing defects but not damage from misuse or accidents. Follow these care instructions to maintain coverage. Don't expose to thermal shock, don't use on direct heat, don't drop or impact mugs. Normal wear from regular use is expected—minor glaze crazing from thermal cycling over years doesn't constitute a defect.