Get Rid of Coffee Stains from Mugs and Travel Cups

It can feel a bit awkward handing someone a mug that looks stained inside. At home, in a café, or at work, a brown ring can make even a clean cup look unwashed. The marks don’t come from poor hygiene but from natural compounds in coffee that cling to the surface.

Why Coffee Stains Build Up in Mugs and Travel Cups

Research in Applied Sciences (Al Anazi & Sultan, 2023) found that coffee pigments can cling to smooth surfaces and cause dark stains over time. When hot coffee hits the inside of a mug or tumbler, the colour compounds grab onto tiny pores or scratches. Each cup leaves a thin layer that builds up and makes the surface look dull.

Ceramic mugs stain fastest because the glaze holds onto residue. Stainless steel and glass stay clear longer, but will still mark if coffee sits too long. Heat and time make the bond stronger, so normal dish soap often can’t remove it. To lift those marks, you need a cleaner that breaks the bond without scratching the surface.

Best Cleaner for Coffee and Tea Stains: Lucent Globe Dishwashing Sheets

Lucent Globe Dishwashing Sheets are ultra-concentrated detergent sheets made for everyday dishwashing and soaking. They dissolve fast in warm water and contain enzymes and surfactants that cut through coffee residue and oils. Each sheet is light to handle and free from bleach or harsh chemicals, making it safe for ceramic, glass, and stainless steel mugs.

How These Detergent Sheets Help Clean Coffee Stains from Mugs

• Coffee stains form when tannins and oils cling to tiny pores in your mug. The cleaning enzymes in Lucent Globe sheets break down those bonds and lift the residue without scratching.
• Because the formula rinses clean, it removes the dull film that regular soap often leaves behind.
• The concentrated power of one small sheet gives a deep clean that restores the mug’s natural shine.

How to use them to remove 

1. Fill your mug or tumbler with warm water.

2. Add half a Lucent Globe Dishwashing Sheet and let it dissolve completely.

3. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the stain film.

4. Gently scrub inside with a soft sponge or brush.

5. Rinse well and dry.

This method works best for old or stubborn coffee rings that normal dish soap can’t shift.

Alternative Ways to Remove Coffee Stains

There are several gentle ways to lift coffee stains from mugs and tumblers. Each works best for different materials and stain types.

1. Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is slightly abrasive and helps lift surface stains without scratching.

How to use it:

1. Add one tablespoon of baking soda into the mug.

2. Add a few drops of warm water to form a paste.

3. Scrub gently with a sponge or soft brush.

4. Rinse well and dry.

It’s ideal for ceramic and glass mugs with light discolouration. Avoid printed or painted areas to protect the design.

2. Denture Tablets

Denture tablets create fizzing bubbles that break down residue on stainless steel or insulated mugs.

How to use it:

1. Fill the mug with warm water.

2. Drop in one denture tablet.

3. Leave it to soak for about 30 minutes.

4. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

This method works well for travel mugs or those with narrow openings where scrubbing is hard.

3. White Vinegar

White vinegar helps dissolve the film left by coffee oils and tannins.

How to use it:

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water.

2. Let the mug soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Wipe gently with a sponge or cloth.

4. Rinse well with mild soap and water.

It’s best for glass or stainless steel mugs that look cloudy or dull from regular use.

Comparison: Which Method Works Best?

Expert Tips and FAQs on Removing Stains from Coffee Mugs

Do darker coffee roasts cause more stubborn stains?

Yes. Darker roasts contain more natural oils and pigments that stick to the sides of mugs. These oils bond with tannins and make stains harder to remove. Light roasts have fewer of these compounds, so the residue washes off more easily.

Why do stainless steel mugs still stain even though they look smooth?

Even polished stainless steel has microscopic grooves where oils can collect. When coffee cools, the oils and tannins settle into those tiny gaps and form brown marks. A soak in warm water with baking soda helps lift the residue without scratching the surface.

Does temperature make stains worse?

It can. Hot coffee softens the glaze on ceramic mugs, which lets tannins and oils bond faster. If you rinse your mug soon after finishing your drink, you can stop that reaction before the stain sets.

Can the dishwasher remove coffee and tea stains from mugs?

Not always. Dishwashers use hot water and quick cycles, which often can’t fully break down the tannins that cause brown residue. If stains remain after a wash, dissolve half a Lucent Globe Dishwashing Sheet in warm water and let the mug soak for a few minutes. The enzymes in the sheet help lift coffee and tea stains more effectively than regular dishwashing detergent, leaving your mugs looking clear and fresh again.

Do coffee stains hold odours or bacteria?

They can. Residue from oils and sugars can trap moisture, leading to a stale smell over time. Washing with warm soapy water or a mild cleaning agent helps get rid of odours and keeps your favourite mugs fresh and sparkling clean.