How do YOU keep your mugs and cups clean from coffee and tea stains?
Those awful stains happen. They just happen. No matter how much you scrub with a sponge, no matter what kind of soap you use, no matter that you use the dishwasher ……. they still have awful stains. Right?
Here are my tricks and suggestions!
#1.
This is one very clean and white Marimekko mug.
And here it was, just a few minutes earlier:
And here’s the “trick”
I keep a small jar with baking soda right by the sink. Make sure the mug has some clean water in the bottom, then sprinkle a little (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the baking soda in the bottom of the mug. Scrub with the rough side of the sponge.
Rinse and see the pure white glaze inside!
Yes, folks, it really works.
#2.
I couldn’t resist using the Libby’s Likes flag. This really IS one of my must use products!
Dip It to the rescue!
This will also work just fine. I’m not sure why the change of name, but it does the same job as the original blue box. Buy it HERE.
Here is an example of how Dip-It works:
I use these two strainers for all my tea. I use loose tea only, put about a tablespoon in the strainer and let it steep for a few minutes. But…the tea really does stain these mesh strainers to the point where I am embarrassed to put them on the counter.
Yuk: they are disgusting….
I use an old pot that is now dedicated to Dip-It use…fill with water and about 2-3 tablespoons of powdered Dip-It, bring to a slow boil and stir occasionally. You will see all the stains disappear!
Sparkling clean!
You can also use the powder, with boiling water poured on top, directly in a mug or cup. And it’s great for metal (or plastic) travel/coffee mugs. They have never been so clean!
Be SURE to buy the powder form of Dip-It. You will see a liquid sold, but in my experience, it doesn’t work at all. And, a word of caution: this product is difficult to find on line and almost impossible to find at a local retailer. The supply seems temperamental and unreliable. Be persistent and keep searching: I found
THIS SOURCE
without going to Amazon.
Also, if you buy several boxes at one time you will be set for a long, long time. One box will “do” about five sessions.
Have you used this product? Do you have other suggestions for us?
Great tips!!! I use a bleach solution for this type of problem – just fill a pot with water and a bit of bleach and soak the mugs for a while. It works. But I’m going to try your baking soda idea.
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Thanks for the ideas. I have also had really good success removing tea stains from cups and mugs with a magic eraser. My mesh infusers do come clean in my dishwasher; not sure why, but it could be the detergent I use.
I am also a lover of loose tea:)
Paula
Hi Libby, That’s such a great idea with the bicarbonate of soda, I will try it. Sarah x
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Soda is one of those must-have items in the kitchen. Hope you’re doing well.
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Hi Libby – We use baking soda to remove the stains from my husband’s tea cups and teapot – he drinks his tea VERY strong – it removes the stains like a dream.
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