Home Cleaning Cleaning How-Tos How to Clean Stained Coffee Mugs for a Spotless Look Get tips for cleaning coffee mugs and removing unsightly stains. By Caylin Harris Caylin Harris Caylin Harris is a freelance writer, stylist, and crafter with over a decade of experience in the media industry. She is a regular contributor to magazines like Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Family Circle, Rachael Ray Every Day, Good Housekeeping, and Parents. Served as craft producer for season three of the Emmy award-winning TV show, Naturally, Danny Seo. Whether she's working for editorial or brand clients, she loves helping people learn new and exciting information about all aspects of their homes and lives. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 16, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Frequency Before Cleaning Baking Soda Vinegar Denture Tablets Upkeep FAQ 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. Frequently Asked Questions Can you use a Magic Eraser on coffee mugs? Yes, it's safe to use a Magic Eraser to clean the inside of your mug and remove stains. Do so when the mug is dry, and be sure to rinse it afterward. Can you reuse your coffee mug without washing it? If you'll be reusing your mug later in the day, it's OK to leave it unwashed for a few hours. However, your mug should be washed every day. Is vinegar or baking soda better for cleaning coffee stains? While vinegar may be best for the coffee maker (it removes germs and disinfects), coffee stains on your mug are better cleaned with baking soda. Baking soda will not disinfect your coffee maker, though. How to Clean Your Coffee Maker the All-Natural Way