How to Clean and Maintain Stainless Steel Cups and Saucers

By Kinto | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the best methods to clean and maintain your Kinto stainless steel cups and saucers, including how to remove stains and keep them looking new.

Quick Answer

To keep your Kinto UNITEA stainless steel cup and saucer looking their best, wash them promptly after use with mild dish soap and a soft sponge, and dry immediately to prevent water spots. Avoid abrasive cleaners and steel wool to protect the finish.

Why Stainless Steel Needs Special Care

Stainless steel is durable and non-porous, but it can show fingerprints, water spots, and minor scratches if handled roughly. The Kinto UNITEA cup and saucer combine heat-resistant glass with a stainless steel saucer, so the saucer’s finish benefits from gentle cleaning to maintain its sleek look. Unlike ceramic, stainless steel doesn’t absorb stains, but oils from your hands or tea can leave a film that dulls the surface over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using chlorine bleach or harsh chemicals can pit the steel surface. Letting coffee or tea dry inside the cup may cause stubborn rings that require extra scrubbing. Skipping the drying step leads to water spots that are hard to remove once set.

Step-by-Step Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

Rinse Immediately After Use: Pour out any remaining liquid and rinse the cup and saucer with warm water right away. This prevents tea or coffee residue from drying and forming hard-to-remove stains. Don’t let the cup sit with leftover liquid for more than 30 minutes.
Wash with Mild Soap and Soft Sponge: Apply a few drops of mild dish soap to a soft sponge or cloth. Gently scrub the inside and outside of the cup, and the entire surface of the saucer. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive powders that can scratch the stainless steel finish. If you see fine scratches, switch to a microfiber cloth for future washes.
Rinse Thoroughly and Dry Immediately: Rinse all soap residue with warm water. Use a lint-free towel or soft cloth to dry the cup and saucer completely. Air drying can leave water spots, especially on the stainless steel saucer. For a spot-free shine, buff the dry saucer with a clean, dry cloth.
Remove Stubborn Stains or Film: For tea or coffee stains inside the glass cup, fill it with warm water and add a tablespoon of white vinegar or baking soda. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. For the stainless steel saucer, wipe with a cloth dampened with diluted vinegar, then rinse and dry. Never use lemon juice or acidic cleaners on the stainless steel saucer for extended periods, as they can dull the finish.
Use the Dishwasher Safely: The Kinto UNITEA cup is dishwasher safe, but the stainless steel saucer may develop water spots in the dishwasher. Place both items on the top rack away from heating elements. Use a gentle cycle and remove them promptly after the cycle ends to hand-dry. If you notice cloudiness on the glass cup after dishwasher use, hand washing is a gentler alternative.

Product Spotlight

UNITEA cup & saucer 230ml / 8oz stainless steel: The UNITEA cup is made of heat-resistant glass, while the saucer is stainless steel. The glass cup lets you watch tea leaves bloom, but the stainless steel saucer needs different care—avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the metal finish.
UNITEA cup & saucer 230ml / 8oz stainless steel