DIY Cleaning Methods for Coffee mugs

How to Do a Vinegar Soak for Coffee Mugs

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need plain white vinegar, your coffee mugs, a sink or large bowl, and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. If your mugs have stubborn stains, grab a little baking soda too (but don’t mix it with vinegar in the soak—more on that later).

 

• Prep the mugs: Give your mugs a quick rinse to remove any loose coffee grounds or residue. This helps the vinegar get right to work on the stains and build-up.

 

• Mix your soak: Fill your sink or bowl with enough white vinegar to submerge the stained areas of your mugs. If you’re only treating the inside, you can just pour vinegar directly into each mug until the stains are covered.

 

• Let them soak: Allow the mugs to sit in the vinegar for at least 15–30 minutes. For really stubborn stains, you can let them soak for up to an hour. The acetic acid in vinegar helps loosen coffee stains and mineral deposits from hard water.

 

• Scrub gently: After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wipe away loosened stains. If you still see marks, sprinkle a little baking soda onto the damp sponge and gently scrub the inside of the mug. (Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it helps with tough spots, but don’t use it at the same time as the vinegar soak—otherwise, you’ll just get fizzy water and less cleaning power.)

 

• Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse your mugs well with warm water to remove any vinegar smell or taste. Dry with a clean towel or let air dry.

 

• Repeat if needed: For mugs with heavy staining, you might need to repeat the process. Some stains are stubborn and need a little extra attention.

What’s Happening Here?

• Vinegar is acidic, which means it can help break down mineral deposits and coffee stains. It’s a common household item and doesn’t require any special equipment.

 

• Baking soda, when used after the soak, acts as a gentle scrub to help lift any remaining residue without scratching your mugs.

 

• Non-abrasive sponges are key—avoid steel wool or anything rough, as these can scratch the surface of your mugs, especially if they’re ceramic or have a glaze.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Soak for Coffee Mugs

What You’ll Need:

• Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution): This is the standard strength you’ll find at most drugstores. It’s a common household liquid that can help with surface stains.
 
• Baking soda: The same stuff you use for baking or keeping your fridge fresh. It’s a gentle abrasive, which means it can help scrub away surface marks without scratching most mugs.
 
• Warm water: Not boiling—just warm from the tap is fine.
 
• A soft sponge or cloth: Avoid anything too rough, especially if your mugs have a design or glaze you want to keep looking good.

How to Do the Soak:

• Mix your solution: In a bowl or directly in your mug, combine about 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a thick paste. If you’re soaking several mugs, scale up the amounts and use a larger container.
 
• Apply the paste: Spread the mixture inside the mug, focusing on stained areas. If you’re soaking, you can add a bit more hydrogen peroxide and water to submerge the mug’s interior.
 
• Let it sit: Give the mixture time to work—about 15 to 30 minutes is usually enough for most coffee or tea stains. For stubborn marks, you can let it sit a bit longer, but don’t leave it overnight, especially on delicate or decorated mugs.
 
• Scrub gently: After soaking, use your soft sponge or cloth to wipe away the paste and any loosened stains. The baking soda’s mild grit helps lift residue without being too harsh.
 
• Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the mug well with warm water to remove all traces of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You don’t want any residue left behind for your next cup of coffee.

Extra Tips:

• Spot test first: If your mug has a special finish, metallic trim, or sentimental value, test the mixture on a small, hidden area first. Some glazes or decorations can react to hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.
 
• Repeat if needed: For really stubborn stains, you might need to repeat the process. Just don’t get too aggressive with scrubbing—let the soak do most of the work.
 
• Dry completely: After cleaning, let your mug air dry or towel it off before putting it away. This helps prevent any lingering moisture from causing musty smells.