If you wish to know how to clean stained coffee mugs, we have the solution. Over time, it's inevitable that your coffee or tea mugs will collect stains—no matter the strength of your dishwasher or how fast you wash them after use.
The good news is that if you take care of those stains right away, they're much easier to remove. Don't wait for years before attempting to scrub away set-in stains! Here's how to avoid tea or coffee rings in your favorite mug.
How Often to Clean Stained Coffee Mugs
Coffee mugs should be washed after every use. At the very least, rinse your coffee mug between cups of joe. When done for the day, wash and dry. If you notice a stain, clean it right away to avoid letting it set in.
Considerations Before You Get Started
Before cleaning your coffee mug to remove its stains, consider the following:
- Accept what cannot be changed. If your mug has seen better days and is cracked or stained beyond repair, it might be time to recycle it. (You could also continue using it as-is, despite the signs of wear.)
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and supplies. It's best not to scrub the inside of the mug with something so abrasive that the mug's finish will be harmed or removed. While your coffee mug might look a little better initially, it won't be safe to drink from it, and the stains can come back with a vengeance on an unfinished surface.
- Use the least abrasive (and least expensive) cleaning method first. Proceed to the next technique if stains persist.
What You'll Need
Materials
To Clean With Baking Soda
- Baking soda
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Microfiber cloth
To Clean With Vinegar
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dish soap
- Abrasive sponge
- Microfiber cloth
To Clean With Denture Tablets
- Denture cleaning tablets
- Dish soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions
How to Clean Stained Coffee Mugs With Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner. Start with this method for cleaning stains from your coffee or tea mug.
Step 1: Make a Paste
Add equal parts baking soda and warm water to the mug. Stir together to make a paste.
Step 2: Clean the Mug
Using the soft side of a damp (but not wet) sponge, scrub the mug until the stains are removed. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it will remove the stains without scratching the mug's inner surface.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the mug with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Allow it to completely air-dry before use.
How to Clean Stained Coffee Mugs With Vinegar
If baking soda is not strong enough to remove stains from your mug, try cleaning it with vinegar.
Step 1: Fill With Vinegar
Add distilled white vinegar to fill the mug halfway. Fill the rest of the way with very hot water.
Step 2: Let It Sit
Let the vinegar solution sit for at least 10 minutes to work on the stains. Then, empty the mug.
Step 3: Scrub the Mug
Scrub the mug and stains with dish soap using the abrasive side of a sponge. Don't over-scrub, though—remember you want to be careful with the mug's finish.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the mug with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Allow it to completely air-dry before use.
How to Clean Stained Coffee Mugs With Denture Tablets
For the most stubborn, stuck-on stains, try denture cleaning tablets.
Step 1: Follow Package Directions
Read over the denture cleaning tablets' instructions and use them according to package directions. However, be sure to add enough water to submerge the stains.
Step 2: Wash the Mug
Wash the mug with warm water and dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the mug with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Allow it to completely air-dry before use.
How to Keep Your Coffee Mugs Clean Longer
To help your mugs stay clean longer, wash them with dish soap after every use. If you don't finish your coffee (or tea), dump it from the mug and rinse. Letting coffee or tea sit in the mug for hours is the easiest way to create set-in stains.
You could also opt to regularly deep clean your mug (e.g., once every week or two) using baking soda or vinegar. This can help avoid stains from settling.