How to clean coffee stains from your mug

Using stainless steel coffee cups is one of the best ways to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic. Stainless steel is one of the best materials to use for coffee cups as it is very durable, long lasting and recyclable.

They are the perfect way to keep your hot and cold drinks cool for a long time, but if you are a fan of coffee and tea, you may have noticed that your stainless steel coffee cups end up looking a little stained and dirty. These stains, if left long enough, can start to affect the taste of your drink and can harbour bacteria, so it's best to get rid of them as soon as possible.

However, we know they can be hard to get rid of. Read on for our important tips and tricks on how to clean coffee stains from stainless steel mugs.

1. Vinegar and baking soda

A dynamic combination of primary school science experiments and home cleaning, vinegar and baking soda are the best ingredients in your arsenal. Unscrew the lid from a reusable mug and rinse it out with water if there is still coffee inside.

Add one or two teaspoons of baking soda and finish with a generous dash of vinegar. Just like in your school science class, the mixture will fizz, foam and swell, so make sure you do this in the sink to catch any spills. Allow the fizz to settle before putting the lid on, then shake the glass well to help remove any stains and dirt from the lid.

Use a sponge or brush to give the cup a good scrub before pouring out the mixture and rinsing again. The stain should disappear, but if not simply rinse and repeat the process.

2. Dishwasher detergent and boiling water

If you don't have a lot of time on your hands, you can use this method when running errands as it requires soaking. Place a regular dishwasher detergent tablet in an empty cup and top it up with boiling water.

Wait 30 minutes for the tablet to completely dissolve and loosen the stain, then cover with the lid and shake well. Scrub the whole thing with a bottle brush and then rinse the mug with water.

3. Denture tablets

Probably not what you want to turn to, denture tablets are perfect for cleaning stains from reusable cups. They are designed to remove tobacco, food and coffee-induced stains from dentures, and the effervescent cleaning action is also very effective on your stainless steel mugs.

Simply follow the instructions on the box, fill the mug with water and place the tablets in it and let it work. After soaking for the recommended time, scrub the cup and lid with a bottle brush and rinse well before using more coffee.

4. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

Hydrogen peroxide may sound a little intimidating, but it is actually a very useful staple in your home. You can use it to help heal cuts and scrapes, soothe mouth ulcers and remove household stains. It's also a great cleaner for the inside of stainless steel coffee cups.

To remove stubborn coffee stains, add ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide to your mug and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Gently scrub the inside of the mug with the mixture and let it soak for 30 minutes. Scrub thoroughly with a brush and wash as usual and your mug will be ready for more coffee or tea!

At first, figuring out how to clean coffee stains can seem like a daunting task. But with these tips and tricks and a few easy-to-find ingredients, your stainless steel coffee mug will soon look as good as new. If your reusable coffee mug has outgrown our recommended cleaning method, or is looking a little worn, then it may be time to simply replace it. Put it in the recycling bin and then check out our range of stainless steel coffee mugs.