Clean Pesky Coffee Stains From Mugs Once And For All With This Ingredient Lurking In Your Pantry

If you're as obsessed with coffee as we are, chances are you have at least one mug in your cupboard stained with those irritating brown marks. No matter how many times you try to scrub or soak those pesky stains off, they remain stuck like glue. Luckily, there's a simple, natural solution that doesn't involve harsh chemicals: cream of tartar and water.

Cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a powdered byproduct of winemaking that's most often used in baking to stabilize whipped egg whites or add tang and smoothness to your homemade cookies. It's also a gentle, mildly acidic cleanser that can lift stains and rust (and even polish appliances) without scratching delicate surfaces. When mixed with a small amount of water, cream of tartar forms a paste that clings to stains and helps break down stubborn residue left behind by coffee and tea. Unlike abrasive scrubbers or bleach, it won't damage the mug's glaze or leave behind harsh chemical smells — making it an ideal option for everyday dishware.

To clean your coffee mug, mix 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar with just enough water to form a thick, spreadable paste. Apply the paste directly onto the stained areas inside the mug. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the gentle acid to loosen the stain, then scrub lightly with the sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and allow it to dry. For particularly stubborn discoloration, you can repeat the process or let the paste sit a bit longer before scrubbing.

What makes this paste so effective is the mild acidity of cream of tartar, which acts much like lemon juice or vinegar but with a texture that clings to surfaces. That cling allows the paste to work directly on the stain without dripping away, making it more targeted than a liquid cleaner. The gritty texture of the powder also adds gentle abrasion to help lift away the stain without damaging the surface of ceramic or porcelain mugs. Combined with water, it becomes a nontoxic, user-friendly cleaner that is surprisingly effective on not just coffee, but also tea, wine, and many other stains.

Another benefit of using a cream of tartar and water paste is that it is safe for you and the environment. It has even been approved in the Code of Federal Regulations as being safe. You won't be pouring any synthetic cleaners down the drain, and there is no risk of unhealthy chemical residue contaminating your next cup of coffee. It is especially helpful for people with sensitivities to cleaning agents or those looking to reduce the number of commercial products in their home. Plus, because cream of tartar has such a long shelf life, you can keep a small jar in your pantry for both baking and cleaning needs. So next time you pull out your favorite mug and notice those pesky brown marks inside, reach for the cream of tartar, add a splash of water, and give your mug a gentle refresh. This little bit of effort can make a big difference.