How to Remove Coffee Stains From a Mug
Remove brown coffee and tea tannin stains from ceramic and enamel mugs using bicarbonate of soda paste, denture tablet soaks, or white vinegar. Avoid scouring pads that damage glaze.
Quick answer
Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and a drop of water, rub it around the stained area with a cloth, then rinse. For heavy stains, soak the mug in hot water with one denture tablet for 20–30 minutes, or fill with undiluted white vinegar and wait 10–15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Coffee and tea leave tannin stains that build up inside mugs over time. These brown marks are harmless but unsightly. You can remove them quickly with household items you probably already have.
What you’ll need
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Denture tablet or Milton tablet (optional)
- White vinegar (optional)
- Warm water
Step by step
- 1
Try the bicarbonate of soda paste first
Sprinkle a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the mug. Add a tiny drop of water to form a thick paste. Rub the paste over the stained area with a soft cloth or sponge in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- 2
Soak with a denture tablet for heavy stains
Fill the mug with hot water. Drop in one denture or Milton tablet. Leave it for 20–30 minutes. Pour out the water and rinse the mug. Most staining will lift without scrubbing.
- 3
Use white vinegar as an alternative soak
If you do not have bicarbonate of soda, fill the mug with undiluted white vinegar. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse well. The acidity dissolves tannin deposits.
- 4
Treat multiple mugs at once with dishwasher tablets
Dissolve one dishwasher tablet in a basin of hot water. Submerge several stained mugs and leave for 20–30 minutes. Rinse each mug thoroughly afterwards.
- 5
Dry and inspect
Dry the mug with a towel and check for any remaining stains. Repeat the method if needed. Do not use scouring pads or steel wool.
Allow hot mugs to cool slightly before rinsing with cold water. A sudden temperature change can crack old or fine bone china. Never use scouring pads or steel wool on ceramic or enamel glazes — they scratch the surface permanently and make the mug more porous and stain-prone in future.
Common mistakes
- Using scouring pads or steel wool on ceramic mugs — this removes the glaze permanently, leaving the surface more porous and prone to future staining.
- Expecting a single dishwasher cycle to remove old, set-in tannin staining — dishwashers prevent new stains but rarely shift existing brown build-up.
- Rinsing with cold water immediately after a hot soak — allow old or fine bone china to cool first to avoid thermal shock and cracking.
Frequently asked
Will these methods work on travel mugs and vacuum flasks?
Yes, but check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Denture tablets work well on stainless steel interiors. Avoid abrasive pastes on painted or coated exteriors. Rinse very thoroughly to prevent aftertaste.
How do I prevent coffee and tea stains building up in the first place?
Rinse mugs immediately after use. A quick wash with washing-up liquid prevents tannin from setting. Avoid leaving cold tea or coffee sitting in mugs overnight.
My mug has a rough patch inside — is it still safe to use?
A rough patch usually means the glaze has worn away. It is still safe to drink from, but the porous surface will stain much faster. Consider replacing the mug or using it only for cold drinks.
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