There’s an unsightly ring around the bottom of your favorite mug just as you’re enjoying the last sip of coffee or tea. The tannins that give tea and coffee their flavor can also leave behind dark stains on dishware, even though that beverage tasted amazing.
Certain coffee and tea stains can be removed with ease in some cases, but depending on the mug’s material and stain set time, others may need a bit more effort. Although white is a common color for dishes, stains may stand out even more in this shade, leaving you to ask how to get coffee stains out of white cups. You must ascertain the material of your cup before you begin.
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How to Get Rid of Tea and Coffee Stains in Mugs
To remove coffee and tea stains, try one of these techniques (or all three in the case of stubborn stains).
Soak with Soap and Scrub
Your best bet for removing coffee stains off mugs is to use dish soap, which is designed to lift stains. Add enough warm water to completely cover the stain, swish with some soap, and then shake the mug. Allow the dish soap to seep into the stain by letting the mug sit for a few minutes (longer if the stain is deeply embedded). After the soap has had time to do its job, use a sponge to scrub the discoloration.
Scrub with Baking Soda
Apply a tsp or so of baking soda to the stain and dilute it with a little water to form a paste. Make use of a damp, soft sponge to scrub the stain. Baking soda’s somewhat abrasive properties aid in removing coffee or tea stains from surfaces. After cleaning, give the mug a thorough rinse to get rid of any last bits of baking soda.
Soak in Vinegar and Scrub
Pour distilled white vinegar halfway into your mug, then top with boiling hot water. To give the vinegar time to do its magic, let the mixture sit for at least ten minutes. Use dish soap and a gentle sponge to scrub the stains away after soaking, and then rinse.
How to Clean Coffee Stains in Travel Mugs
Certain travel mugs are lined with stainless steel. Luckily, cleaning this material is not too difficult, and it works wonders at maintaining the warmth of drinks. For cleaning stainless steel, you can use vinegar, baking soda, and soap. Dishwasher-safe cups can frequently be washed in the machine, but before doing the same with travel mugs, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a soft sponge to remove coffee stains from travel mugs with stainless steel inside. Scratching can occur while using abrasive scrubbers. Other materials, such as regular ceramic dishware, can be gently scrubbed with a sponge side.
How-Tos and Advice for Removing Coffee Stains from Mugs
When cleaning coffee stains off travel cups or getting rid of a tea stain from your favorite cup, keep these pointers in mind.
Select the Correct Tools: If your mugs are tall, make sure the bottle brush you buy can reach all the way to the bottom. Bonus: a tiny scrubber intended to fit into nooks and crannies, such as the narrow places of a travel mug lid, is frequently included with baby bottle brushes.
Try Denture Tablets: The effervescent action of denture tablets can effectively clean mugs in addition to working wonders for teeth. Make sure to use enough water to completely cover the coffee or tea stain and follow the usage instructions on the package. Rinse and thoroughly wash the mug with dish soap when the tablet has finished working.
An effective offense is the best defense. After you finish your drink, give cups a quick rinse to prevent coffee or tea stains from forming. Rinsing the cup will get rid of any last traces of coffee or tea, even if you are unable to wash it immediately. There is no need to be concerned about stains developing once these residues are removed.
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