As you finish enjoying your coffee or tea, you may notice an unsightly ring on the bottom of your favorite mug.
While these stains can be a result of the flavorful tannins in your beverage, they can be challenging to remove, especially on white mugs.
However, with the right approach, you can tackle coffee stains on white mugs effectively.
Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s essential to consider the material of your mug.
Different materials, such as stainless steel or stoneware, require specific care. While many mugs are dishwasher-safe, stubborn and deeply set-in stains may require pre-washing treatment to ensure effective removal.
Remove Coffee and Tea Stains from Mugs
There are several methods you can use to combat coffee and tea stains, and you can even combine them for tougher stains.
Here’s what you can do:
Soak with Soap and Scrub.
Start by applying Dish Soap to the stained area in the mug.
Add warm water to cover the stain and swish the mixture around. Allow the mug to sit for a few minutes, or longer for set-in stains.
The dish soap will penetrate the stain. Afterward, use a sponge to scrub the stain gently.
Scrub with baking soda.
Sprinkle about 1 tsp of baking soda onto the stain and add a little water to create a paste.
Use a damp, soft sponge to scrub the stain. The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda helps lift coffee or tea stains from the surface.
Rinse the mug thoroughly to remove any remaining baking soda.
Soak in Vinegar and Scrub.
Fill the mug halfway with white distilled vinegar and then top it up with very hot water.
Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the vinegar to work. After soaking, use dish soap and a soft sponge to scrub away the stains.
Rinse the mug thoroughly.
Cleaning Coffee Stains in Travel Mugs
For travel mugs with stainless steel interiors, you can use the same cleaning methods mentioned above.
However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting them in the dishwasher.
Use a soft sponge to remove coffee stains from travel mugs with stainless steel interiors.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface. If the mug is made of standard ceramic dishware, you can use the scouring side of a sponge, but be gentle.
Tips for Removing Coffee Stains and Tea Stains from Mugs
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when cleaning coffee stains from mugs:
Choose the right tools:
If your mugs are tall, consider investing in a bottle brush that can reach the bottom.
Some baby bottle brushes come with a small scrubber that can access tight spaces, such as those on a travel mug lid.
Try denture tablets:
Denture tablets work well for cleaning teeth and can be effective for mugs too.
Follow the instructions on the package and make sure to add enough water to fully cover the coffee or tea stain. After the tablet has worked its magic, rinse and wash the mug with dish soap.
Rinse after each use:
The best way to prevent coffee or tea stains from forming is to give your mugs a quick rinse after you finish your beverage.
Even if you can’t wash the mug immediately, rinsing will help remove any lingering coffee or tea drops. Once these remnants are gone, you won’t have to worry about stains.
Remember, specialty materials like handmade stoneware and delicate porcelain require extra care.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers and follow the guidelines provided by the artisan or manufacturer.
*The information is for reference only.
