How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Mugs (Effective Methods) - ImprintNow.Com
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How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Mugs: Best Methods, Effective Ways And Tips

Coffee mugs are everyday essentials, but often suffer from stubborn stains that diminish their appearance. If you’ve been wondering how to get coffee stains out of mugs, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are effective cleaning methods to restore mugs without damage.


In this guide, we look at quick interventions versus treating old stains, touching on how to clean coffee stains from mugs without harsh chemicals. From DIY tricks to professional tips for pristine mugs, we cover everything.

How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Mugs: Best Methods, Effective Ways And Tips

Key Takeaways

  • Removing coffee mug stains doesn’t have to be difficult - it just takes the right knowledge and things like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.
  • Different approaches suit different materials like stainless steel, ceramic, glass, or plastic, with special treatments for deeply embedded coffee cup stains.
  • It is always best to act quickly to yield the best results, and take care to avoid scratching surfaces.
  • We supply high-quality custom coffee mugs that are resistant to staining and easy to clean, and you can personalize them any way you like.

How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Mugs

Understanding how to get coffee stains out of mugs begins with identifying the mug’s material and the severity of the stain. Acting quickly is key, as older coffee stains in mugs set into the surface and become harder to remove. Here are some basic guidelines:

  • Mild stains: Mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste, then scrub gently.
  • Tougher stains: Vinegar and lemon juice are excellent at breaking down residues.

Always work with a soft sponge to protect the finish, particularly in ceramic or glass mugs. To clean coffee stains from mugs, we recommend that you avoid harsh abrasives as they cause permanent scratching. DIY solutions are safe, cheap, and effective across most mug types.

Regular cleaning helps prevent stubborn buildups. If you order our custom matte bicolored ceramic mugs, stay on top of cleaning and keep them looking pristine.

a hand holding an empty cup for how to get coffee stains out of mugs

Are Coffee Stains In Mugs Reversible?

Many people believe that coffee cup stains are permanent, but this is rarely the case. Removing coffee stains from mugs is easiest when the stains are fresh, but even year-old staining can often be reversed with a little patience. Materials like ceramic and stainless steel are surprisingly forgiving when you use agents like baking soda or vinegar.


The problem is more severe if the mug’s glaze or finish is compromised. In such cases, the stain may penetrate too deeply to remove fully. How to clean coffee cup stains also depends on how well you maintain your mugs. If you make personalized coffee mugs but fail to keep on top of cleaning for long periods, they might need repeated treatments but can still be made to look dramatically better.

How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Yeti Cups?

Learning how to get coffee stains out of Yeti cups takes careful attention because these cups are made from high-quality stainless steel. If a spill gets on the outside, wipe it away with a beverage napkin or tissue. Otherwise, it may dry and leave a stain, and you will need gentle abrasives like baking soda mixed with water to scrub the stains away.

Removing coffee stains from stainless steel mug materials like Yetis may also benefit from soaking in a mixture of vinegar and water. We recommend products like Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) as they are designed to remove stains without damaging the metal.

It is important to avoid harsh chemicals like:

  • Bleach
  • Strong acidic cleaners


These could corrode the stainless steel. Understand how to clean coffee stain from a stainless steel travel mug to ensure the durability of your Yeti cup.

Looking for mugs that are easy to keep clean and fresh-looking?

Our custom ceramic java cups can be personalized with your own branding or other custom design, and they are simple to clean and maintain for the long-term.

Best Way To Clean Coffee Stains From Stainless Steel Travel Mugs

When considering the best way to clean coffee stains from stainless steel travel mugs, your chosen cleaning method must be gentle yet effective. Here’s a simple method you could use:

  1. Fill the mug: Using warm water, fill the mug to the top and add a spoonful of baking soda.
  2. Soak: Let the solution sit for 15-30 minutes.
  3. Scrub: Use a soft brush to scrub the affected area.

Another great option for removing coffee stains from stainless steel travel mug interiors is vinegar. Or you could use denture cleaning tablets, designed to lift residue safely without scratching.


Avoid abrasives like steel wool or harsh chemicals like bleach, as these could permanently damage the surface. Also, be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards to prevent any metallic aftertaste in subsequent drinks. Routine cleaning is important to prevent heavy buildup, so keep up with it if you order custom stainless steel travel mugs from our store.

a white ceramic mug next to a book and glasses for how to get coffee stains out of mugs

How To Clean Tea Stains From Mugs Using Bicarbonate Of Soda

To remove tea stains from cups or coffee stains, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is one of the safest and most effective tools at your disposal. Dampen your stained mug then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface. Then, gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth to lift the stain without scratching.

Bicarbonate of soda causes a chemical reaction that loosens the tannins that cause the coffee cup stain discoloration. If the stain persists, leave the baking soda paste on the surface for about 15 minutes before scrubbing again. Whether you have a standard-sized coffee mug or something larger or smaller, this method works well for removing tea stains from cups as well as coffee stains in mugs.

It may be necessary to repeat the process for deeply set stains. Regular maintenance using baking soda should prevent permanent discoloration.

Create your own personalized mugs with a glossy appearance

These custom curved glossy ceramic mugs have an iconic shape and limitless design possibilities, and you can keep them stain-free with the advice from this article.

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Best Way To Remove Coffee Stains From Plastic Mugs

Plastic mugs can be trickier to clean because plastic absorbs oils from coffee more easily than other mug materials. When figuring out how to remove coffee stains from plastic mugs, we recommend creating a solution of equal parts white wine vinegar and hot water. Soak your mug in this solution for at least an hour.

When the hour is up, scrub with dish soap and a soft brush, then leave the mug in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sun exposure can help bleach out any remaining discoloration.If you have laser-engraved tumblers made from plastic and they get stained with coffee, this method can help.

Repeat the process if the stain is persistent. Avoid harsh scrubbers as they will only scratch the plastic and make it even more prone to staining. Consistent cleaning is the best solution.

How Do You Clean Stained Glass Coffee Mugs?

Glass mugs tend to show every small imperfection, so it is important to know how to clean coffee stains from mugs made of glass. Studies have found that coffee stains are caused by the rapid evaporation of liquid, so washing the mug before the liquid dries out is best. Here’s a solution if your glass mug is stained:

  1. Rinse: Use hot water to rinse and loosen any residue.
  2. Add cleaning agents: Sprinkle baking soda into the mug and add a splash of vinegar. The solution will fizz and break down stains.
  3. Scrub: Use a soft sponge to avoid scratching the glass.

Regular cleaning is the real key to preventing coffee cup stains from setting in. If you have a persistent stain, try soaking the mug overnight in vinegar and water. Avoid using abrasive pads as these can create micro-scratches in glass.

How Do You Remove Brown Or Year-Old Coffee Stains?

To tackle brown or year-old coffee stains in mugs, patience and repetition are important. Stains that have been left to sit for months or years may be absorbed deeply into the material, making them harder to remove. Also, though certain mug shapes may enhance the perception of the drinking experience, there are some that are tougher to clean than others.

To remove coffee stains from mugs that are deeply set, try the following:

  1. Soak: A mixture of baking soda and hot water is ideal. Allow to soak overnight.
  2. Scrub: The next day, add a paste made of baking soda and a small amount of vinegar and scrub gently.
  3. Rinse: Rinse everything thoroughly with cold water.

For extremely stubborn stains, repeat this method several times. Persistence is key to get coffee stains out of coffee cups, but avoid harsh abrasives that could damage the mug material.

Best Way To Remove Set-In Coffee Stains From Mugs

Learning the best way to remove set-in coffee stains from mugs can help prevent your favorite pieces from having to go in the trash. While pulpboard coasters are important to protect surfaces, regular washing is ideal to protect the mugs themselves.

If a stain sets in, try the following:

  1. Soak: Create a solution of white vinegar and baking soda and soak the mug in it for several hours.
  2. Scrub: Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the affected area.
  3. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the mug with cold water.


Repeat this process if necessary. You could also try products designed for coffee stain removal from cups, like oxygen bleach or denture tablets. Avoid steel wool or highly abrasive materials as they will scratch and permanently damage your mugs. Stains on ceramic, glass, or plastic can be tackled similarly, but patience and the right tools are essential.

Need custom glossy mugs that don’t stain easily?

Our custom dine-n-sip mugs are resistant to coffee stains and can feature your personalized designs. If yours does stain, this guide tells you how to clean it.

How To Remove Coffee Stains From Ceramic Mugs Without Scratching

Ceramic mugs are popular, but they require special care when cleaning stains to avoid damage to the surface. If you are figuring out how to remove coffee stains from mugs without causing scratches, avoid things like:

  • Steel wool
  • Gritty scrubbing pads

Instead, create a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it gently to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping with a soft cloth. Tougher discolorations may require a little white vinegar to remove.


Custom coffee mugs like the ones we sell are among the best print-on-demand products to start selling, but make sure you advise consistent cleaning so your customers can keep them looking pristine.

a person washing a cup for how to get coffee stains out of mugs

Why Does Coffee Leave Stains On Your Cups And Mugs?

Coffee stains form because of tannins. These are natural plant compounds that have a habit of binding to surfaces. They are particularly stubborn on porous materials like ceramic and plastic.

If you are wondering how to clean coffee cup stains, it can help to understand the root cause. Things that can make stains worse include:

  • Hard water: This leaves mineral deposits that cling to the tannins.
  • Time: The longer coffee sits in the mug, the stronger the bond becomes.
  • Coffee cup styles: Certain mug materials and shapes might impact stain formation, with rougher surfaces absorbing more residue.


Proper rinsing and regular cleaning are crucial to prevent stubborn build-up. Work with us to create custom large beverage mugs and other coffee mug types to enjoy high-quality craftsmanship and deep customization. When you sell or gift these mugs, make sure to include instructions to clean regularly.

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Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Mugs

How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Mugs Without Damaging Them?

The safest method is to use a baking soda paste or white vinegar. Scrub gently with a soft sponge to avoid scratches while lifting the stains.

Does Vinegar Remove Coffee Stains?

Vinegar can be very effective at loosening tannins and oils, so it is an excellent natural solution. Use it to remove coffee stains from mugs and cups effectively.

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