Clean cups without chemicals: homemade remedies for cleaning cups from coffee stains

Coffee stains on cups are a common problem faced by coffee lovers. Fortunately, there are many simple and safe ways to clean cups without using harsh chemicals, informs Ukr.Media.

Baking soda and vinegar

This is a classic and very effective method. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive and alkali that helps dissolve plaque. Vinegar (acetic acid) reacts with the baking soda to form carbon dioxide, which helps loosen dirt. This combination is really effective for removing coffee and tea stains, as well as for disinfection. Both ingredients are safe and environmentally friendly.

How to use:

• Pour 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda into a cup.
• Add a little vinegar to start the reaction.
• Leave for 10-15 minutes.
• Rub with a sponge and rinse the cup thoroughly.

Citric acid and salt

Citric acid is a natural organic acid that is good at dissolving mineral deposits and plaque, including coffee stains. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, enhancing mechanical cleaning. This method is also effective and safe for use at home. Citric acid, unlike some synthetic acids, is biodegradable and less aggressive.

How to use:

• Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid in hot water.
• Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
• Soak the cup in the solution for 30 minutes.
• Rub the dirty areas with a sponge.
• Rinse the cup thoroughly.

Toothpaste and hydrogen peroxide

Toothpaste contains mild abrasives (such as chalk or silica) that help mechanically remove plaque. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach and disinfectant. This mixture can be useful for removing stubborn stains, but be careful as some toothpastes can be quite abrasive and scratch delicate surfaces, although this is usually not a problem for cups. Hydrogen peroxide is also safe in low concentrations for household use.

How to use:

• Mix toothpaste and hydrogen peroxide in equal proportions.
• Apply the mixture to the contaminated areas.
• Rub with a sponge.
• Rinse the cup thoroughly.

Melamine sponge

Melamine sponge is a modern means for removing plaque without the use of chemicals. Melamine sponge really works on the principle of microabrasive. Its structure is very small and hard, which allows it to “wipe” dirt from the surface. It is effective for removing various dirt, including coffee stains, and does not require additional chemicals. It is important to remember that melamine sponge wears out over time and can leave microscopic particles, so it is important to rinse the cup thoroughly after use.

How to use:

• Wet the sponge with water.
• Rub the contaminated areas.
• Rinse the cup thoroughly.

Plaque prevention

To avoid coffee stains, wash the cup immediately after use and regularly use mild abrasive cleaning agents.

Джерело: Source