How to Clean and Care for a Cockerel or Dachshund Mug

Quick answer

Rinse your teapigs cockerel or dachshund mug with warm water right after each use, then hand-wash it with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. For stubborn tea stains, soak in a baking soda paste for 10–15 minutes. Both mugs are fine bone china and dishwasher safe, but hand washing keeps the printed design crisp for longer.

Why fine bone china needs a gentler touch

Fine bone china is durable but not indestructible. The teapigs cockerel mug and teapigs dachshund mug share the same specs: fine bone china, 8cm height, 8.5cm diameter, and 325ml capacity. That material holds heat well and feels lighter than stoneware, but it can chip if knocked against a sink or stacked roughly. The printed animal design sits on the glaze, so abrasive scrubbing or harsh chemicals can dull it over time. Treat these mugs like you would a good teacup: gentle soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge.

Daily washing: what to do and what to avoid

After drinking tea, rinse the mug with warm water to remove loose leaves and residue. If you used a tea bag, remove it first so it doesn't stain the bottom. Wash with a small amount of mild dish soap and a non-scratch sponge. Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, and powdered cleansers—they can scratch the glaze and make future stains harder to remove. If you're using a dishwasher, place the mug on the top rack and use a gentle cycle. Both mugs are dishwasher safe, but repeated high-heat drying can eventually fade printed designs, so hand drying with a soft towel is a good habit.

Removing tea stains without damaging the print

Tea tannins leave brown film inside mugs, especially if you drink black tea daily. For light stains, a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth usually lifts them. For heavier buildup, fill the mug with warm water and add a tablespoon of baking soda or a denture cleaning tablet; let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then wash normally. Avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can break down the glaze and fade the cockerel or dachshund artwork. If stains persist, a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water can help, but rinse thoroughly afterward.

Storing and handling to prevent chips

Stacking mugs directly can cause hairline cracks or chips on the rim. If you must stack, place a soft cloth or paper towel between each mug. Store them upright rather than hanging by the handle, which can stress the join over time. When carrying, hold the body rather than just the handle. These mugs are 8cm tall and 8.5cm wide—small enough to fit most cabinets but still worth handling with care. If you have both the cockerel and dachshund designs, keep them separate from heavier stoneware to avoid accidental knocks.

Step-by-step mug care routine

1. Rinse immediately after use: Empty any leftover tea and rinse the mug with warm water within 10 minutes of finishing your drink. This stops tannins from settling into the glaze. Checkpoint: no visible liquid or leaves remaining.
2. Wash with mild soap and a soft sponge: Apply a drop of mild dish soap to a non-scratch sponge and clean the inside and rim. Avoid abrasive pads or scouring powders that can scratch the glaze and dull the printed design. Common mistake: using a harsh scrubber because you're in a hurry—it causes micro-scratches that trap future stains.
3. Tackle stains with a baking soda soak: If you see brown film inside, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water to form a paste. Rub it gently on the stain or fill the mug with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda, then let it sit for 15 minutes. Checkpoint: stains should lift without scrubbing; if not, repeat once.
4. Rinse and dry by hand: Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap or baking soda residue. Dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots. If using a dishwasher, place on the top rack and choose a gentle cycle. Common mistake: leaving the mug to air-dry on a draining board where it can knock against other dishes.
5. Store with care: Keep mugs upright in a cabinet, not stacked directly on top of each other. If stacking is unavoidable, place a soft cloth between mugs to prevent chips. Next step: check your cabinet for crowded spots where handles might get caught.

Product facts

• teapigs cockerel mug: Fine bone china, height 8cm, diameter 8.5cm, 325ml capacity, dishwasher safe. The 325ml size suits a standard mug of tea, and dishwasher-safe construction means you can clean it easily, though hand washing preserves the print longer.
• teapigs dachshund mug: Fine bone china, height 8cm, diameter 8.5cm, 325ml capacity, dishwasher safe. Same practical care as the cockerel mug: gentle washing and careful storage keep the dachshund design looking new.