In A Pinch, Lemon Does The Trick In Removing Coffee Mug Stains
Hot coffee and tea are wonderful beverages to drink when you need a caffeine fix or just want to have a warm, comforting feeling; however, if you are an avid drinker, you know these drinks are not kind to your cups and mugs. The tannins in both of these drinks like to leave their mark inside — and sometimes on the outside — of your cups, making them look dirty and dingy no matter how many times you wash them.
A little bleach can work its magic in a matter of seconds to rid of these unsightly stains; but if you shun harsh cleaning products and want to go with something a little more natural, a little lemon can do a lot of good for your favorite coffee cup. Simply rub the inside walls and bottom of your mug with a lemon wedge, coat it with those acidic juices, and leave it alone for a couple of hours. After the appropriate amount of time has passed, clean it with a sponge and the stains should be gone. What if they aren't?
Break out the baking soda
You may need to break out the baking soda if your lemon isn't doesn't do the job on its own. Start with a tablespoon and cover the inside of the cup walls with this abrasive and powdery ingredient. You should see some fizzing when the lemon and baking soda come together. This chemical reaction releases carbon dioxide, which helps to remove the stains.
You may need to let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge. The sponge should not be dripping with water. This will cause the baking soda to dissolve, in which case you won't be able to exercise its full power to get rid of those stains. This process is definitely worth the time. Once you rinse off the grainy citrus scrub from your cup, it should look just like new, ready for your next cup of Joe or afternoon tea.