How to Care for Printed Ceramic Mugs
So you’ve got yourself a lovely printed ceramic mug - maybe something with bold colours, a bit of humour, or some fine Scottish artwork. Naturally, you’d like it to stay looking good and not end up faded, cracked or peeling like a sunburnt tourist. The good news is: keeping your mug in fine fettle doesn’t take much. Just a wee bit of know-how.
Are Printed Mugs Dishwasher Safe?
The answer is… sometimes. It depends on the type of print and how it was applied. Most quality mugs use sublimation or kiln-fired transfers, which are more resilient than cheaper decals. If the mug says it’s dishwasher safe, you’re fine. If it doesn’t say — assume it’s not. When in doubt, hand wash.
That doesn’t mean you need to baby it. Just avoid:
● Constant scouring with abrasive pads
● Leaving it soaking overnight in the sink
● Jet-washing it like it’s a BBQ grill
That doesn’t mean you need to baby it. Just avoid:
● Constant scouring with abrasive pads
● Leaving it soaking overnight in the sink
● Jet-washing it like it’s a BBQ grill
Washing Tips That Keep Prints Bright
● Use a soft sponge - microfibre if you’re feeling fancy
● Mild detergent only - bleach and strong chemicals can dull the print
● Avoid soaking - especially if your mug has metallic or layered detailing
● Don’t stack them wet - let them air dry properly to avoid rubbing
● Mild detergent only - bleach and strong chemicals can dull the print
● Avoid soaking - especially if your mug has metallic or layered detailing
● Don’t stack them wet - let them air dry properly to avoid rubbing
Can You Microwave a Printed Mug?
Again, depends on the type. Most ceramic mugs without metallic detailing are microwave safe. But if there’s gold, silver, or anything that glints - leave it out unless you enjoy sparks and regret. Our ceramic mugs are all clearly marked with care instructions, so you’ll know what’s safe.
Long-Term Care for Lifelong Prints
Printed designs can fade over years of hard use — especially if you're putting the mug through daily dishwasher cycles. If you’ve got a design you love, treat it kindly:
● Hand wash when you can
● Don’t use it to store pens, coins, or rogue screws
● Rotate your mugs — give them each a break now and then
Still wondering what kind of ceramic mug fits your routine best? Our Mug Buyer’s Guide: Ceramic Edition walks you through materials, sizes and more — perfect for anyone who takes their tea and their mugs seriously.
● Hand wash when you can
● Don’t use it to store pens, coins, or rogue screws
● Rotate your mugs — give them each a break now and then
Still wondering what kind of ceramic mug fits your routine best? Our Mug Buyer’s Guide: Ceramic Edition walks you through materials, sizes and more — perfect for anyone who takes their tea and their mugs seriously.