If you have a favourite mug you may have noticed that they often become stained with dark brown rings which are incredibly difficult to remove no matter how much you scrub at it.
These brown stains are a natural plant compound called tannins which is found in tea and coffee and gives the beverage its distinct flavour.
Tannin is harmless but the stains are stubborn as they bind to the surface of the mug, and over give will build up to form a sticky residue over the mug which will affect how your hot drinks taste.
However, Victoria, a cleaning expert and founder of Snail Pace Transformations has a quick and easy way to remove these mug stains so you have a “sparkling clean cup” once again.
Victoria said: “Erasing these coffee & tea stains is simple and requires ingredients 99.9 percent of homes have in their cupboards right now. Not that I did a formal poll or anything, but I know that these ingredients are familiar to just about all households.”
What to use to get rid of mug stains
The best item to break down mug stains is white vinegar as it contains acetic acid, which breaks down the chemical bonds that tannin forms when it binds itself to a surface.
The acidity of vinegar will help loosen and clean away stains which can then simply be wiped away without having to scrub at it.
Victoria said: “To remove a minor stain, all you need is baking soda and some dish soap. However, when you have let tea and coffee stains get bad, it helps to add a bit of vinegar.”
Washing up liquid contains surfactants which can deeply penetrate surfaces to lift stains and baking soda is abrasive so it can physically scrub at tannin without scratching the surface of a mug.
How to get rid of mug stains
All you have to do is add one tablespoon of baking soda, a few drops of washing up liquid and a few drops of white vinegar to a dirty mug.
Take the stained mug over to your sink and fill it halfway with warm water from the tap.
Wait a few seconds and then wipe the sides of your mug with a clean cloth.
The mug should now be completely stain-free and spotless once again.
Victoria said: “In less than 30 seconds, your mug will be sparkling clean.”
