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General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: LennyJ1 on December 09, 2010

Title: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: LennyJ1 on December 09, 2010
Hey Guys

I have a stainless steel travel mug I use on the hill and mainly at work and it is really getting bad with tea stains.

Do any of you have any tips to get it removed.

I know that they are harmful but they turn people at work so any help please

Thanks
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: suspectmonkey on December 09, 2010
I don't want to steal Chris' thunder, but he should be along shortly to advise on the use of vinegar to remove stains in mugs and pots :)

I know that they aren't harmful but they turn people at work so any help please

I'm hoping you meant "aren't harmful" otherwise my mug in work could be a potential bio-hazard ;D
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: Kayakgirl on December 09, 2010
Bleach or washing powder..
My (pink) flask was stained with tea on the outside and I steeped it in bleach and water and it was like new..
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: LennyJ1 on December 09, 2010
I know that they aren't harmful but they turn people at work so any help please

I'm hoping you meant "aren't harmful" otherwise my mug in work could be a potential bio-hazard ;D

lol, aren't is correct.

Shamara i was told bleach was toxic and you need to leave it for a few days. how long did you leave your flask for?
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: whoRya on December 09, 2010
I cleaned my mug in work with bleach and it seems to me that it gets stained more easily now, I don't know whether it is harsh on the coating of the mug.  I'd reckon bicarbonate of soda would be best, an overnight steeping and you'll be grand.
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: Hunter on December 09, 2010
Salt, Just damp the inside off ur cup pour in a load of table salt and rub with ur fingers and it will look like new . 8)
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: LandyLiam on December 09, 2010
I used to clean teapots by soaking in washing powder and hot water for a few hours, but I got told off as it took all the flavour out of the pot !
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: suspectmonkey on December 09, 2010
but I got told off as it took all the flavour out of the pot !

Exactly!  Good scum of tea residue adds to the flavour ;)
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: Kayakgirl on December 09, 2010
Lenny I left it soaking for a few days..
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: Dowser on December 09, 2010
Salt, Just damp the inside off ur cup pour in a load of table salt and rub with ur fingers and it will look like new . 8)

Defo salt.  Exactly as Hunter described.  I do it all the time.  If you only use a small drop of water it will work like an abrasive and wont damage the stainless steel  :)
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: chris on December 09, 2010
I don't want to steal Chris' thunder, but he should be along shortly to advise on the use of vinegar to remove stains in mugs and pots :)

Well maybe I just won't say it now.. how about that!?

But seriously vinegar is the source!
Title: Re: Tea Stains in Travel Mug
Post by: Dowser on December 09, 2010
I don't want to steal Chris' thunder, but he should be along shortly to advise on the use of vinegar to remove stains in mugs and pots :)

Well maybe I just won't say it now.. how about that!?

But seriously vinegar is the source!

Have a fish supper handy, and when you've finished cleaning your mug with all this salt and vinegar you'll have plenty of condiment to throw over it.  Yummy  :D