Before you get to work, you’ll need to know the material of your mug. Some, like stainless steel or stoneware, take special consideration. Many mugs can go in the dishwasher, but for heavy, set-in stains, giving the item a pre-wash treatment can help eliminate stubborn spots.
How to Remove Coffee and Tea Stains from Mugs
Use one of these methods (or a combination of all three for tough stains) to combat coffee and tea stains.
What You Need
Dish soapSpongeBaking sodaVinegar
Step 1: Soak with Soap and Scrub
Dish soap is formulated to lift stains and can be your first line of defense to get coffee stains out of mugs. Squirt a little soap into the mug, add enough warm water to cover the stain, and swish the mixture around. Let the mug sit for a few minutes (longer if the stain is set in) and allow the dish soap to penetrate the stain. Once the soap has had a chance to work, scrub the stain with a sponge.
Step 2: Scrub with Baking Soda
Sprinkle about 1 tsp. baking soda on the stain and add a little water to make a paste. Scrub the stain with a damp, soft sponge. The gentle, abrasive nature of baking soda helps lift coffee or tea stains from the surface. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the mug well to remove any remaining baking soda.
Step 3: Soak in Vinegar and Scrub
Fill your mug halfway with distilled white vinegar ($4, Target), then fill to the top with very hot water. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes to give the vinegar time to work. After soaking, scrub away the stains using dish soap and a soft sponge, then rinse.
How to Clean Coffee Stains in Travel Mugs
Some travel mugs have stainless-steel interiors. This material is great for keeping beverages warm and is thankfully pretty easy to clean. The soap, baking soda, and vinegar cleaning methods can all be used on stainless steel. While dishware mugs can often go in the dishwasher, read up on the manufacturer’s instructions before doing the same with travel mugs. To remove coffee stains from travel mugs with stainless steel interiors, use a soft sponge ($8, Walmart). Abrasive scrubbers can scratch the surface. Other materials, like standard ceramic dishware, can take the scouring side of a sponge, but use a light hand.
Tricks and Tips to Get Coffee Stains Out of Mugs (Tea Stains, Too!)
Keep these tips in mind when cleaning coffee stains from travel mugs or removing a tea stain from your favorite cup. Keep in mind that specialty materials like handmade stoneware and delicate porcelain require extra TLC. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and follow the artisan or manufacturer’s guidelines.
