‘Cheapest’ method to remove stubborn brown teacup stains

Over long periods of time, tea cups and mugs can become stained if they are not cleaned straight away after drinking.

It is the tannins in these beverages which produce the mark, and they can often be stubborn to remove, even in the dishwasher.

Posting on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, Tia Macaulay wrote: “Does anyone know how to get rid of tea stains in a mug? I have a lovely Cath Kidston mug but I can’t budge the stains.

“I also can’t put it in the dishwasher. I’ve tried soaking it in boiling water with washing up liquid and nothing.”

The post attracted hundreds of comments from group members all suggesting various products.

Harriet Young commented: “My nan recommended using denture tablets as she uses them for her teeth but also around the house for literally everything. They work so well and are just so cheap.”

Joanne Westwood also recommended using denture tablets dissolved in hot water. The Mrs Hinch fan added: “Old trick I learned from my Nan many years ago. Cleans teaspoons up a treat too and it’s the cheapest.”

Sonia Alden said: “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.

Sue Tombros added: “No scrubbing required with denture tablets, I use them for everything.

“I prefer to buy the minty denture tablets as then I can smell if the tablet has lingered a bit and I need to wash the cup a bit more.”

To use denture tablets, fill the mug or cup with warm water and add the tablet before leaving it to fizz away.

Once the fizzing has stopped, rinse the mug clean and the brown marks should have disappeared.

Denture tablets can be picked up for £1 a tube from Boots, or for 79p for a tube, equating to around 2p per tablet.

Dishwasher tablets can also be used and work in a similar way, although they will be more expensive to use.