How to Remove Tea and Coffee Stains from Mugs — What Works

The brown staining inside tea and coffee mugs is caused by tannins — naturally occurring compounds in tea and coffee that polymerize and bond to ceramic and porcelain surfaces. Regular dish soap removes the residue from each drink but doesn't break down the stain layer that builds up over months. Here's what does.

Method 1: Baking Soda Scrub (Best First Try)

1. Wet the inside of the mug
2. Sprinkle baking soda liberally onto the stained surface
3. Scrub with a damp cloth or sponge in circular motions — the baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that physically removes the tannin layer without scratching ceramic or porcelain
4. Rinse thoroughly

For most mugs with mild to moderate staining, this removes the stain completely in 30 seconds.

Method 2: White Vinegar Soak (For Heavier Staining)

1. Fill the mug with equal parts white vinegar and hot water
2. Let soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour
3. Pour out and scrub with the baking soda method above
4. Rinse thoroughly

Method 3: Denture Tablets (Effortless)

Denture cleaning tablets (available at pharmacies — a pack costs a few dollars) are designed to remove tannin staining from dentures, which are made of acrylic — but they work equally well on ceramic mugs.

1. Fill the mug with warm water
2. Drop in one denture tablet
3. Let sit for 15–30 minutes
4. Rinse out — no scrubbing needed

Method 4: Salt and Lemon

For mugs that are hand-washed only: pour a tablespoon of coarse salt inside, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and scrub with a cloth. The salt is abrasive and the lemon is acidic — the combination removes light tannin staining effectively.

Teapots and Carafes

For the inside of teapots and coffee carafes where a sponge can't reach: fill with the vinegar and hot water solution and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. The fizzing action loosens staining. Swirl, let sit 20 minutes, pour out, and rinse with hot water.

Preventing Future Staining

• Rinse mugs immediately after use — tannins bond faster when dried onto the surface
• A quick baking soda scrub once a week prevents buildup from reaching the stage that requires soaking

Maidless's standard kitchen clean includes wiping mugs and cups left on counters. Book a Toronto house cleaning — HST included.