After brewing the perfect cup of coffee, have you ever noticed the brown stains clinging stubbornly to your favorite stainless steel thermos or coffee mug? Well, that’s annoying, right? At that moment you might have wondered if your coffee equipment will ever look that brand new and shiny again.
Removing coffee stains can be hard but not impossible. In this blog post, we have explained six ways to remove coffee stains from stainless steel.
How To Remove Coffee Stains From Stainless Steel
Sometimes the stains aren’t that severe and can be removed by basic cleaning. But sometimes the stains are tough and require a deep cleaning to remove them.
Basic Cleaning
When the stains aren’t that severe use these three methods to clean your coffee equipment.
1. Warm soapy water
This is the simplest and most gentle method. It is also best for regular cleaning and light stains.
Step-by-step guide
Fill a large bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
Place the stainless steel coffee mug, thermos, or pot in it and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
After soaking, scrub the stained area with a sponge or soft cloth. Apply light pressure in a circular motion.
After scrubbing, remove the soap residue from the surface using clean, warm water.
Dry it immediately with a microfiber cloth to avoid any water spots or streaks.
2. Vinegar and baking soda
This method is best for slightly tougher stains. This method includes vinegar and baking soda both are natural and effective in removing stains from stainless steel.
Step-by-step guide
Pour white vinegar on the stainless steel, or the stained area. You can increase and decrease the amount of vinegar based on the stain.
Then add baking soda on top of the vinegar.
Wait for 10 to 15 minutes so that the vinegar and baking soda breaks down the coffee residue.
Scrub the steel with a sponge or soft brush, and focus on the stained area.
At last, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.
3. Lemon and salt
Use lemon and salt for a fresh and eco-friendly smell. This method not only removes stains but also makes the steel smell good.
Step-by-step guide
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze only one-half of the lemon on the stained area.
Pour a generous amount of salt on the lemon juice. Use the remaining half lemon as a scrubber and rub it over the stain area.
Let the lemon and salt mixture sit on the stained area for a few minutes.
After that rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry immediately.
Deep Cleaning
Sometimes the basic cleaning method doesn’t work, especially on old and tough coffee stains. So in that case, deep cleaning is required to restore the shine of the equipment.
4. Use Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which makes it perfect for removing stains without damaging the steel.
Step-by-step guide
Create the paste by combining 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a thick paste. You can add more water if needed to reach the spreadable consistency.
Spread the paste evenly on the coffee stains. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes so the paste can work on the stain.
After the paste has sat, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the paste on the stain area in a circular motion.
Wash the equipment with warm water and ensure no paste is left behind. Dry it immediately with a towel or cloth.
5. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for the toughest and most persistent stains.
Step-by-step guide
First, we need to make the paste. So for that mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of baking soda to create a thick paste.
Spread the paste over the stained area evenly.
Let the paste sit on the stained area for 30 minutes to an hour. You should increase this time depending on the toughness of the stain.
Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the surface.
After scrubbing, use warm water to remove the paste and dry it with a soft towel or cloth immediately.
6. Commercial Stainless steel cleaner
If the natural methods aren’t working then commercial cleaner should be your last resort. It should be last because it contains harsher chemicals that may damage your equipment.
Step-by-step guide
Look for products that are specifically made for stainless steel cleaning. As they will be designed to clean the steel without damaging it.
Use the product based on the instructions given on the product’s label.
Always apply gentle pressure and move in a circular motion.
To prevent streaks, wash it with warm water and dry it with a soft towel or cloth
Conclusion
Keeping your coffee equipment clean isn’t just about the looks or shine of the equipment. It is more than that, stained equipment can change the flavor and quality of your coffee. It also damages the equipment’s longevity and freshness.
You can easily bring shine and originality to your coffee gear by simply applying the above cleaning techniques. Whether it is just a light discoloring or a stubborn stain. Give these techniques a try and enjoy your coffee in clean, stain-free gear.
