Hot beverages like tea and coffee leave stubborn brown stains on mugs and cups due to tannins. These marks are harmless but unsightly, particularly when serving guests.

A Common Cleaning Challenge

Cleaning enthusiast Tia Macaulay shared her struggle with tea stains on a cherished mug that couldn’t go in the dishwasher. She tried soaking it in boiling water with washing-up liquid, but the stains persisted.

Denture Tablets: The Affordable Solution

Many recommended denture tablets dissolved in boiling water as a safe, effective alternative to bleach. Sonia Alden explained: “I use denture tablets and boiling water. Let it sit for a bit and then wash as normal. It is much safer than bleach and does the job perfectly. I prefer to buy the minty denture tablets as then I can smell if the tablet has lingered for a bit and I need to wash the cup a bit more.”

Harriet Young added that her grandmother used denture tablets not just for teeth but for household tasks: “They work so well and are so cheap.”

Joanne Westwood called it an “old trick” learned from her nan: “Cleans teaspoons up a treat too.”

How to Use This Hack

Drop one denture tablet into the mug, add boiling water, and soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse and wash as usual; repeat if needed, though one treatment often suffices. Each tablet costs as little as 3p and is available at supermarkets, Boots, Amazon, and stores like Home Bargains.

Alternative Methods

Scrubbing with table salt also tackles brown stains. For specialized products, Astonish Clean and Revive or Elbow Grease versions restore mugs effectively.