How to Remove Stains from Tea Cups Using Baking Soda

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

You can tell you're an avid tea drinker when all your ceramic cups have a light brown stain at the bottom. Drinking tea and coffee in cups results in a residue build-up over time. There's no need to use harsh chemicals to remove the stains, though. A simple baking soda paste will do the trick just as effectively.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid759441-v4-728px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will get rid of any extra gunk that can be taken off with regular soapy water. [1] Start with cups that are as clean as possible. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid759441-v4-728px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your cup isn't already wet, dampen it with some hot water. It's easier to remove the stain when there is little moisture present for the baking soda to cling to.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid759441-v4-728px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Half a teaspoon or so should do the trick. You only need enough to make a light paste.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid759441-v4-728px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use a soft microfiber cloth. [3] A paste-like film should form as you rub over the dampened cup. Concentrate on places where the stain is darkest.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid759441-v4-728px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Put some effort into rubbing directly over the stained areas of the cup. Continue doing this until the stain lifts. You may need to turn the cup around as you are scrubbing, to ensure that you reach all areas of the stain. [4]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid759441-v4-728px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Remove the baking soda residue from the cup with warm water. [5] Check that you have removed the entire stain. If it's gone, turn the cup upside down and leave to air dry before returning to its usual storage spot.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid759441-v4-728px-Remove-Stains-from-Tea-Cups-Using-Baking-Soda-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you still see remnants of the stain after a good scrubbing, repeat the process with more baking soda. It will usually come off after an extra treatment or two.
    8. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can I use to clean teacups?
    Jon Gholian
    Cleaning Specialist
    Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.
    Jon Gholian
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can use dish soap, a soft microfiber cloth, and warm water to clean teacups.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How do I remove a printed photo on a coffee mug?
    Community Answer
    If the photo is under the glaze, it will never come off, but you can try scrubbing it with a nail polish remover. If you're feeling creative, you can paint the mug with food safe paint.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Baking soda
      • Soft cleaning cloth

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Remove Deep Stains from Dishes
      How to
      Clean Cups
      How to
      Get Rid of Mold in a Water Bottle
      How to
      Wash Dishes
      Simple Cleaning Hacks to Get Smells Out of a Protein Shaker
      How to
      Make Homemade Dishwasher Soap
      How to
      Make Homemade Liquid Dish Soap
      How to
      Clean a Mortar and Pestle: Easy Steps for Any Material
      How to
      Remove Musty Odors from Vacuum Flasks
      The Best Ways to Sterilize Glass Baby Bottles at Home
      How to
      Remove a Film from Glasses
      The Best Ways to Clean an Insulated Lunch Box or Bag
      How to
      Clean a Teapot
      How to
      Hand Wash Dishes in a Sink
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-remove-old-coffee-stains-from-mugs-carafes-tips-from-the-kitchn-200957
      3. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-coffee-tea-stains-in-cup/
      5. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 171,167 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Laura Bogseth

        Apr 26, 2019

        "I am an avid tea drinker, and my favorite teacup was looking grungy. Thanks for the baking soda cleaning tip. I ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement