Whitening toothpaste isn't just for those pearly whites. As any tea or coffee drinker can attest, white mugs will undoubtedly get stained from frequent use. Cleaning them with dishwashing soap sometimes doesn't work too well, especially if you've left your morning cup sit in the sink too long. Keep a spare toothbrush around, a small squeeze of some whitening toothpaste, and give it a brush. The alumina in the toothpaste works as an abrasive and should remove the stains without too much trouble. Remember to rinse or your next cup might taste peculiar (at least you don't have to floss anything).
How To: Clean Stained Mugs and Dishware With Toothpaste
Comments (9)
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I just put a teaspoon or so of dishwasher detergent (not handwashing detergent) in the mug and fill it up with hot water. Leave overnight, and the next morning all stains are gone. Easier than toothpaste, and you don't have to keep a tube of toothpaste and a brush by the kitchen sink.
view Carol in Denver's profile
i always find that handwashing with a heavy-duty ("pots and pans") scrub sponge or just a plastic scrubbie gets them off just fine - but i bet that baking soda would work just as well as toothpaste and not leave your mug minty! and you wouldn't really need the toothbrush :)
view akostalas's profile
magic erasers make the insides like new in seconds.
view chrisB's profile
mr. clean magic eraser works every time - no elbow-grease or cleansers needed.
view sunshinelovesyou's profile
I second the baking soda - which we keep under the sink to do wooden cutting boards too.
view blackbird's profile
another nod to baking soda and water - works great!
view mrs's profile
Ajax is a lot cheaper than tooth paste as is baking soda. Or, use a brown mug.
view Palmetto's profile
magic eraser does the trick just fine! i just cleaned 3 weeks of tea stains from my white mug today. good as new!
view scarlethue's profile
Salt sponge does the job!
view gryt's profile