Discover a quick and effective method to eliminate those unsightly tea and coffee stains from your mugs with this one simple trick. In just a few minutes, your mugs can look as good as new!
A couple of years ago, I gifted my husband a delightful coffee cup for Christmas to use at his workplace. While it’s an adorable mug, it seems to attract stubborn coffee stains like a magnet. I can’t quite determine if it’s due to the fact that it only gets rinsed out most of the time or because it isn’t dishwasher safe. Regardless, the appearance of those stains irritates me. So, whenever he brings it home for me to clean, I make it a point to dedicate a few extra minutes to tackle those pesky marks.
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I prefer not to use harsh chemicals like bleach or denture cleaners (yuck!). While they may serve their purpose for dental hygiene, the thought of using denture cleaners in a coffee cup is unappealing. If you’ve got a coffee mug stained with tea or coffee, this straightforward method will help you remove those stains without excessive scrubbing, using just two common household products.
Table of contents
- What You’ll Need
- How to Clean Coffee Stains From Mugs
- Make a paste.
- Coat the inside of the mug.
- Lightly scrub with a paper towel or sponge.
- Rinse well.
- Common FAQs
- More Really Simple Tips for Cleaning:
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – These two ingredients will be combined to create a natural cleaner that effectively tackles those stubborn stains.
- Paper towel or sponge – Use this to wipe out the inside of the mug. Alternatively, you can opt for microfiber cloths that I particularly recommend!
Don’t miss out on these ingenious tricks for using hydrogen peroxide, which can revolutionize your cleaning habits. This guide is filled with ways to substitute this everyday product for more toxic cleaners.
How to Clean Coffee Stains From Mugs
This method is our go-to for most of our regular coffee mugs. You can also see how we clean our Yeti cups and Stanley tumblers!
Make a paste.
Begin by pouring approximately 1 tablespoon of baking soda into the stained coffee cup. Gradually add enough hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste. I find that using the handle of a spoon helps in mixing the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide thoroughly. You may need to add a little more baking soda to achieve the right consistency; the paste should be thick enough to adhere to the walls of the mug.
Coat the inside of the mug.
Once the paste reaches the desired thickness, apply it generously to all the stained areas inside the mug. Allow the paste to sit for about 10 minutes to work its magic.
Lightly scrub with a paper towel or sponge.
After letting the paste sit, take a paper towel or sponge and gently scrub the paste around the mug. You should start to see the stains lift away. If any stubborn coffee stains remain, let the paste sit for an additional 5 minutes and scrub again.
Rinse well.
When the stains have disappeared, rinse the cup thoroughly to remove any residue of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, then wash it as you normally would. In just a few minutes, those dingy, stained coffee mugs can regain their fresh and clean appearance. This simple tip makes it easy to remove coffee stains from your cherished mugs! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to maintain your Keurig machine.
Common FAQs
What types of mugs can you use this cleaning method for?
Thanks to the use of two safe ingredients, this technique can effectively remove coffee and tea stains from various materials including stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and even plastic mugs.
Does Magic Eraser work on coffee stains?
Absolutely! Magic Erasers can be quite effective at removing coffee stains from certain surfaces. Made from melamine foam, they work by gently abrading the surface to eliminate stains and grime without the use of harsh chemicals.
However, for our stained mugs, we typically stick to our two-ingredient paste as it yields excellent results! If you do decide to use a Magic Eraser, here’s how:
- Wet the Magic Eraser with water.
- Gently rub it over the coffee stain, applying slight pressure.
- Continue rubbing until the stain is completely removed.
- Rinse the area with water to eliminate any residue.
Keep in mind that Magic Erasers may not be suitable for all surfaces; they work best on hard, non-porous materials like porcelain, tile, and glass. Use caution on delicate surfaces such as wood or painted finishes, and it’s wise to test a small area first to ensure no damage occurs.
Why are my cups still stained after dishwasher?
There are several reasons your cups may emerge from the dishwasher still stained:
- Improper loading: If cups are loaded upside down or the dishwasher is overcrowded, water and detergent may not reach all areas, leaving stains. Ensure proper loading with enough space for water and detergent circulation.
- Hard water: If you have hard water, mineral buildup can occur on your cups, causing stains even after washing. Consider using a dishwasher detergent designed for hard water or adding a rinse aid to minimize mineral buildup.
- Old or expired detergent: Using old or expired dishwasher detergent may result in ineffective cleaning. Always opt for fresh, effective detergent.
- Age or quality of cups: Over time, some cups may become more prone to staining due to their material or age, leading to permanent stains.
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