Stubborn brown ring stains inside mugs can be removed in under 10 minutes using bicarbonate of soda, according to a DIY specialist. The method requires no soaking or heavy scrubbing.
The marks are caused by tannins, natural compounds found in tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Tannins latch onto microscopic pores in ceramic surfaces and oxidise as the mug dries, making them harder to remove.
Simple baking soda method
Melissa, co-founder and DIY specialist at Creative Contessa Designs, recommends sprinkling baking soda into the mug, adding a little water to form a paste, and scrubbing with a hand or brush. She said: "The answer is baking soda! Sprinkle baking soda into the mug. Add a little water to make a paste, [and] scrub it with your hand or a scrub brush."
She added: "Your mugs will look brand new! It's that simple."
Why it works
Baking soda's mildly alkaline nature helps break the bond between the stain and the mug, while its fine abrasive granules gently buff away the loosened marks. Washing mugs immediately after use is also recommended, as tannins become more difficult to shift when left to dry.
Step-by-step guide
Sprinkle one or two teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda into the stained mug, add a splash of warm water, and stir into a thick paste. Use a cloth to work the paste into the stain for about 30 seconds, then let the mug rest for five minutes.
After that, wash the mug normally with washing-up liquid, and the stain should disappear. For particularly stubborn stains, repeat the process or extend the sitting time beyond five minutes.
