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 mugs elevate everyday rituals with their minimalist design and graceful curves. The coupe shape feels comfortable in hand whilst the vibrant colours add visual interest to your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or evening hot chocolate. Each person can claim their favourite colour, creating personal connection and making it easy to identify whose mug belongs to whom in shared households.

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 mug. The thick walls retain heat effectively whilst remaining comfortable to hold (though the mug will become warm—this is normal and expected with quality stoneware).

Cold beverages: The mugs work equally well for cold drinks. The stoneware keeps iced coffee, cold milk, smoothies, or other chilled beverages 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.

Microwave use: The mugs are completely microwave safe for heating beverages or reheating coffee that's gone cold. 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. The retained heat helps keep reheated beverages warm longer, which is beneficial for leisurely drinking.

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

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 colours will remain as vivid after years of daily use as they were when new.

Removing beverage stains: Coffee and tea can leave slight staining inside mugs over time. 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.

Storage: Store mugs in cupboards or on open shelving—the vibrant colours add decorative appeal even when not in use. The mugs can be stacked carefully if needed (though stacking mugs risks chipping if not done gently). Many people prefer storing mugs on hooks or shelves where they're easy to access and the 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. It's a small detail that adds personality to daily routines.

Coordinating with other Le Creuset pieces: If you own Le Creuset cookware, bowls, or plates in matching colours, these mugs integrate beautifully into your existing collection. A Cerise mug coordinates with a Cerise casserole, Azure with Azure bowls—allowing you to build a cohesive colour scheme across your entire kitchen collection.

For gifting: The beautiful gift box makes these mugs presentation-ready for coffee lovers, tea enthusiasts, or housewarming presents. The specific six-colour selection (rather than random colours) ensures consistency if multiple people purchase this set as gifts—everyone receives the same coordinated rainbow selection.

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 mugs should provide decades of daily use. The specialist clays and premium glaze are engineered for longevity. Clean promptly after use, avoid thermal shock, handle carefully to prevent chips (particularly on the 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.