I Just Discovered a “Magical” $1 Trick for Cleaning Stained Coffee Mugs (It’s So Effective!)

I have no idea how a $1 box of baking soda became the multi-talented hero of household chores, recipes, remedies, repellants, and more, but I swear by it. (After all, I am the mom referenced for this beloved sink-cleaning trick that relies on its heavy-duty whitening powers.) So when I went on a mission to find what could best erase the coffee stains from the inside of my favorite mugs, I was delighted to find that the magical powder once again came to the rescue. 

At some point, long ago, I had to discount the validity of using regular kitchen soaps and scrubbers to combat brown coffee stains. The daily layering of stronger, uglier, grosser levels of grime inside my mugs looked like layers of sediment and mud just piling on. This realization hit me when I worked in an office where everyone had their own mug, and I was embarrassed about the state of mine. Each morning, we would head to the kitchen to fill up and gab for a while — and because most people just rinsed theirs out with some soap and water, the damage was evident. 

I joined the ranks of dirty morning cups and could only survive by taking my mug home and swapping it out for one that was cleaner weekly (or sometimes daily). Even then, it was beyond dingy!

Years later, while far from that office, when I brew my coffee at home, I still notice the same coffee stains on the inside of my favorite mugs. During my latest venture into decluttering, I looked at each mug I owned, donated the ones I hadn’t used in years, and set out on the mission of turning the rest into sparkling masterpieces.

When I saw that The Kitchn editors had tested the best methods for removing stains from coffee mugs and baking soda was the winner, I can’t say I was surprised. I knew I had to test it for myself. Follow my steps to get your mugs sparkling clean.

1. Wash the mug with dish soap and hot water.
2. Rinse.
3. Add one or two spoonfuls of baking soda to the bottom of the mug and a little bit of water. Circle it around inside to create a chunky paste and let it sit. If the stains are especially bad, you can try scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or pad.

4. Rinse.
5. Repeat until no brown stains remain. Wash again with dish soap and water.

Just look at those shining results! Once again, baking soda has proven it’s worthy of its coveted spot in my kitchen. If you don’t currently have any, it’s time to stock up. (P.S.: I tried it on my glass coffee pot, too, and it worked like a charm!). 

Buy: 365 by Whole Foods Market Baking Soda, $1.79

This article originally published on The Kitchn. See it there: I Just Discovered a “Magical” $1 Trick for Cleaning Stained Coffee Mugs (It’s So Effective!)