How to Use and Care for the Alessi Tonale Mug and PlateBowlCup

By ALESSI UK: Italian Design Home Accessories, Kitchenware & Gifts | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: How-to Guides

A practical routine for the Alessi Tonale mug and PlateBowlCup saucer: smart pairing, gentle washing, and storage habits that keep porcelain and stoneware looking sharp.

Quick answer

Treat the Tonale mug and PlateBowlCup saucer as a pair: pre-rinse both, load them securely, and skip harsh abrasives. A five-minute routine after each use prevents stains and chips.

Why the Tonale mug and PlateBowlCup saucer need different handling

The Tonale mug is stoneware, while the PlateBowlCup saucer is white porcelain. Stoneware is generally more forgiving of thermal shock, but porcelain is denser and can chip at the rim if knocked. That difference matters when you stack or wash them together.

The PlateBowlCup saucer’s special board design gives it a distinctive look and makes it easy to grip, but the raised edges can trap water if you leave it soaking face-down. Dry it upright or on its side.

When the dishwasher is a reasonable choice

Both pieces are made for everyday use, and a gentle dishwasher cycle is usually fine. Use a low-temperature programme and a mild detergent. Avoid loading the saucer where a heavy item can slide against its rim.

If your dishwasher has a heated drying cycle, open the door at the end to let steam escape. This simple habit reduces water spots on both the stoneware and the porcelain.

Step-by-step care routine for your Alessi cups and mugs

1. Pre-rinse both pieces promptly: After each use, rinse the Tonale mug and PlateBowlCup saucer under warm water before residue dries. Common mistake: leaving tea or coffee to dry overnight, which makes stains harder to lift from the stoneware. A ten-second rinse now saves a longer soak later.
2. Wash by hand or on a gentle cycle: For hand washing, use a soft sponge and mild washing-up liquid. If using a dishwasher, choose a low-temperature programme and avoid overcrowding. Common mistake: assuming every Alessi mug is dishwasher safe at high heat—check the care label on your specific piece. Keep heavy items away from the saucer’s rim to prevent chips.
3. Dry the saucer upright: After washing, stand the PlateBowlCup saucer on its edge or dry it with a soft cloth. Do not stack it face-down while wet. Common mistake: nesting wet saucers, which traps moisture in the board recess and can leave mineral marks. Air-dry the mug mouth-up and the saucer on its side.
4. Store without pressure: Stack mugs only if they are completely dry, and place a soft cloth between the saucer and other dishes. Common mistake: pressing the saucer under a heavy stack, which stresses the porcelain rim. Loose stacking protects the glaze and the rim.
5. Tackle stains early: For tea or coffee stains on the Tonale mug, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply gently with a soft cloth, then rinse. Avoid abrasive scourers. Common mistake: using bleach or harsh chemicals, which can dull the glaze over time. A mild paste works better than scrubbing hard.

Product facts

PlateBowlCup: PlateBowlCup is a white porcelain tea saucer with a special board design that makes it practical to handle. The raised board edge gives you a secure grip, but it also means you should dry the saucer upright so water does not sit in the recess.
PlateBowlCup
Tonale: Tonale is a stoneware mini-plate inspired by the chromatic intensity of Japanese lacquers, sold in sets of four. Stoneware tolerates daily use well, and the colour options let you match the mini-plate to your mug without treating it as delicate porcelain.
Tonale