You can easily remove the brown coffee and tea stains with bicarbonate of soda or vinegar. Make a soft paste from bicarbonate of soda and water, gently rub it around the cup, let it work, and rinse. For stubborn stains, you can soak the cup in a little vinegar. Avoid harsh scouring pads, as they scratch the glaze.
Contents
Even the finest cup will, over time, develop a brownish film at the bottom from coffee and tea. This is completely normal and not at all a sign that the cup is dirty or damaged. Fortunately, the discolouration can be removed with a few things you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are the gentle methods that work on both ceramic and porcelain.
Why do the stains appear?
Coffee and tea contain dyes and tannic acids that settle as a thin, brown film on the inside of the cup. Over time, the layer builds up, especially if the cup isn't washed completely clean every time. It doesn't make the cup unhygienic, but it doesn't look very inviting.
Method 1: Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda is mildly abrasive and alkaline at the same time, which makes it effective against coffee and tea stains without scratching the glaze.
- Mix a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of water to make a soft paste.
- Spread the paste over the bottom and sides of the cup.
- Gently rub with a soft cloth or your fingers.
- Let it work for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Method 2: Vinegar
The acid in vinegar loosens the brown film and is good for more stubborn stains.
- Pour a little ordinary household vinegar into the cup, possibly mixed with a bit of warm water.
- Let the cup soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Wipe with a soft sponge, and rinse thoroughly so all the vinegar smell disappears.
Tip: You can combine the two: drizzle a little vinegar over a bicarbonate of soda paste. It will fizz slightly and helps loosen even ingrained stains. Always rinse well afterwards.
Method 3: Lemon
If you have neither bicarbonate of soda nor vinegar, half a lemon can come in handy. Rub the fresh side against the stains, let the juice work for a couple of minutes, and rinse. Citric acid works in the same gentle way as vinegar and leaves a fresh scent as well.
What you should avoid
It's tempting to reach for steel wool or a hard scouring pad, but these are exactly what you should avoid.
| Method | Strength | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Bicarbonate of soda paste | Mild, gentle | First choice for everyday stains |
| Vinegar soak | Medium | Good for stubborn stains |
| Lemon | Mild | Handy quick fix |
| Scouring pad/steel wool | Harsh, scratches | Avoid – ruins the glaze |
A scratched glaze actually becomes more prone to new stains, because more tiny irregularities appear where the dyes can settle. So stick to the gentle methods.
Prevent new stains
- Rinse the cup briefly as soon as you're done drinking.
- Wash it thoroughly with washing-up liquid and a soft sponge.
- Don't let coffee or tea residue sit and dry into the bottom for hours.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cups turn brown on the inside?
Coffee and tea contain colourants and tannins that settle as a thin, brown film on the inside, especially if the cup isn't washed completely clean every time.
Does bicarbonate of soda work on both ceramic and porcelain?
Yes. Bicarbonate of soda is mildly abrasive and gentle enough for both glazed ceramic and porcelain, as long as you rub gently and rinse well afterwards.
Can I use vinegar in a cup?
Yes, ordinary household vinegar loosens coffee and tea stains. Let the cup soak, dry it off, and rinse thoroughly so all traces of vinegar taste disappear.
Can I use a scouring pad?
No, harsh scouring pads and steel wool can scratch the glaze. A scratched surface becomes more prone to new stains. Use a soft cloth or sponge instead.
How do I avoid stains in the future?
Rinse the cup briefly as soon as you're done, wash it thoroughly with washing-up liquid, and don't let coffee or tea residue sit and dry in.
Summary
Brown coffee and tea stains are completely normal and easy to remove. Bicarbonate of soda paste is the gentle first choice, vinegar tackles the more stubborn stains, and lemon is a handy backup solution. Steer clear of harsh scouring pads, always rinse well afterwards, and prevent staining by washing your cups thoroughly straight away.
Read also
Find beautiful cups at Dims Studio: explore our cups and our range of coffee cups.
