How To Get Rid Of Mold In Coffee Mug? Step-By-Step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
20 min read

Coffee cup mold: how to get rid of it? All of us are aware that the convenience of travel mugs is a big draw for people like commuters, hikers, tea lovers, and coffee fanatics who are usually on the go.

However, these reusable mugs aren’t unbreakable, even though they’re sturdy. Even if you wash and rinse these mugs frequently, they can harbor molds that pose a risk to your health.

Breast pump tubing can also be cleaned with these helpful mold cleaning methods.

What is mold?

To decompose fruits, leaves, trees, and other plant components, mold is a fungus that grows naturally. Mold can be harmful to your health if it grows in damp conditions. It doesn’t require a lot of water to grow, and wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are frequent locations for it.

How To Get Rid Of Mold In Coffee Mug: Easy 4-Step Guide - Krostrade

Even a tiny bit of mold in your house might serve as a breeding ground for more. Make careful to take action as soon as possible if you discover any problems.

Mold in cups

Cups that have been stored upside down to avoid dust and debris from building up in them are more likely to develop mold.

Cups stacked on top of each other don’t have enough room for water to evaporate. Consequently, some condensation forms on the cup’s surface, and any mold spores that are trapped begin to proliferate.

Eliminating The Mold In Your Mug

Mold may be found practically anywhere, but a surprising number of individuals have encountered it in their coffee mugs while on the road. Designed to preserve hot and cold beverages at their ideal temperatures, these mugs’ lids retain moisture, which encourages the formation of mold.

If you drink coffee or tea on a regular basis, you’re likely to own a travel mug. Regardless of what type of beverage you choose, you’d always have a travel mug with you.

Suppose you’re ingesting something other than just your morning brew. To help you with mold prevention tips, here an article on how to prevent mold after a leak.

What causes mold to grow in your mug?

Even though travel mugs are great investments, if they aren’t cleaned properly, mold growth can occur. Mold growth is facilitated by the lids of these travel mugs, which hold in moisture.

Moulds that grow in moist, dark environments are known as humidity-formed molds.

A variety of fungi produce mold, which can range in color from green to black. There is a chance that your mug is dirty because of your efforts to clean it.

The majority of travel mugs are not dishwasher safe. Water can infiltrate between the inner and outer insulation layers if you put your cup in the dishwasher to clean it.

The majority of travel mugs are not dishwasher safe. Water can infiltrate between the inner and outer insulation layers if you put your cup in the dishwasher to clean it.

Best Way To Clean Your Coffee Mugs

Step #1. Dismantle it

Dishwasher-safe travel mugs are rare. If you clean your cup in the dishwasher, water may seep in between the inner and outer insulating layers.

Step #2. Begin by washing it

You start by hand-washing everything in hot water with soap. Immersing everything in hot water and soap for five minutes is the best way to eradicate any bacteria.

You start by hand-washing everything in hot water with soap. Immersing everything in hot water and soap for five minutes is the best way to eradicate any bacteria.

Step #3. Examine every nook and cranny

You begin by hand-washing all of the items in hot soapy water. 5 minutes in hot water with soap is the most effective technique to get rid of all bacteria.

Scrub for a few seconds, being cautious not to damage the mug while you’re about it.

Step #4. It’s time to dry out

Finally, check that everything is completely dry. Overnight, put everything in a drying rack or kitchen towel and let it dry.

Make careful to keep your cup dry so that mold won’t form on it.

Methods In Deep Cleaning Your Mugs

If you don’t want to use the dishwasher, here are a few quick, easy, and practical alternatives to clean your travel mug:

Using soap

Use a sponge to clean your mug and lid with warm, soapy water. As soon as you can, run water over the cup to clean it.

To dry, use a paper towel or a microfiber cloth.

Using vinegar

Add a spoonful of distilled white vinegar to a half-filled mug of hot water and stir to combine. Rinse the solution after it has sat for 15 minutes.

To clean the lid, you can use a solution of vinegar and water.

Using baking soda

When it comes to cooking and baking, baking soda really is a one-stop-shop ingredient. Use a clean toothbrush and a paste of baking soda and water to remove tough to remove stains.

How much of an impact can my moldy mug have on me?

Because human stomach acid quickly eliminates mold, even little amounts aren’t hazardous. Only doing it once or twice is unlikely to cause an illness.

As a precaution, make sure there isn’t more than a mild case of gastrointestinal distress. There are many ways it can affect people, and it is often overlooked.

It’s tough to tell the difference between a cold and mold exposure because the symptoms are so similar. Mold exposure can cause symptoms like asthma, coughing, nose congestion, a sore throat, and a rash on the skin.

Having a strong immune system means you won’t get sick, but if you don’t, you’re at a far greater danger of being sick. To be safe, rather than sorry, is the best policy.

You should see a doctor straight away if you’ve been sick and drinking from a moldy cup. You may have an issue with mold poisoning.

Can you get sick from drinking from a cup with mold?

There’s no guarantee that you’ll become sick from drinking out of a moldy sippy cup thanks to your stomach’s powerful acid, which eliminates most bacteria. If you have respiratory or allergic symptoms, you may need medical attention. Inhaling mold, rather than swallowing it, is the most common cause of this.

Some molds can induce vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, discomfort of the belly, and chills..

Moldy Coffee Cup Photograph by Photostock-israel/science Photo Library

What happens if I sip moldy coffee?

Toxic side effects from even one cup of coffee include coughing, congested nasal passages, watery eyes, runny nose, and headaches. Moldy coffee can also cause upper respiratory infections and flu-like symptoms.

How long does it take for mold to get out of your system?

Removing the source of the harmful fungus can help some people feel better nearly immediately after the removal. Others require more time (months to years). In other words, people with healthy immune systems recover more quickly than those with weakened ones.

Is it safe to eat from moldy cups?

Mold can be safely removed from your cup by hand washing it well or by running it through the dishwasher. To use the cup safely, you must be able to remove the mold using soap and water and scrub the cup thoroughly with mild scrubbing. If hot, soapy water fails to remove mold from cups, vinegar may be necessary.

Cheap or re-usable plastic containers are more likely to be thrown away or recycled than high-end coffee cups. For replacements, use surfaces that are less susceptible to microbiological growth, such as stainless steel and glass.

How to remove cup mold

A variety of methods exist for accomplishing this:

  • For metal bottles, hot water works best. Scrub vigorously with the bottle brush and soap for at least two hours or overnight.
  • DENTURE CLEANING TABS: These tablets are great for cleaning anything, including dentures. Take a chance on them.
  • White vinegar has been shown to kill up to 82% of mold spores when applied topically. Plastic bottles are a good fit. Allow it to sit overnight before serving. Washing in the morning and letting clothes air dry is recommended.
  • Rinse the rice with dish soap and warm water before adding the lid to the bottle. Shake the container well before using. When you don’t have a bottle brush, this is the best solution.
  • Wash with a solution of warm water and 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Using baking soda to clean moldy cups is a moderate disinfectant.
  • Add 1 tsp baking soda to a small basin, then soak the cups for 4–6 hours. Rinse well.
  • For bottles with reusable straws, use pipe cleaners: Please select the cleaning method (above) that works best for your needs.
  • Water bottle pull/pull bottles can be sanitized using this method: To remove mold from water bottle lids, immerse cotton swabs in alcohol.

Preventing cup mold

Drying your cups thoroughly before storing them is the best approach to avoid cup mold. If the issue persists, it’s possible that the humidity level in your home is excessive. Fixing your ventilation or installing a dehumidifier can help if that’s the case.

Does mold die in boiling water?

Molds are not killed by simply bringing food to a rolling boil. Boiling at higher temperatures or baking kills them (save for ergot) and removes the aflatoxin they make and leave behind in food.

How To Get Rid Of Mold From Your Yeti Cup?

1. Rinse It

To get rid of any leftover residue, run it under running water first. After filling it with water, close the cover and shake it well. Throw out the water after a few shakes. Add a few drops of dish soap to some boiling water and close the lid. After a 30-second shake, let it sit for 15 minutes before draining the water and discarding it.

2. Soak It In Vinegar Solution

Cleaning with vinegar is a popular green cleaning option. In your Yeti cup, combine equal parts water and white vinegar. For a few seconds, shake the container with the lid on. Allow it to soak for at least one night before using.

Throw out the vinegar solution the following day. A few shakes are all that’s needed before removing the boiling water from the cup.

3. Use Baking Soda

Next, you’ll want to make a paste of baking soda. It is a powerful natural cleanser and it is best for removing foul odor. Using a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with some water and stir until the mixture is smooth. Mix it thoroughly until you get a paste-like texture.

Next, you’ll want to make a paste of baking soda. It is a powerful natural cleanser and it is best for removing foul odor. Using a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with some water and stir until the mixture is smooth. Mix it thoroughly until you get a paste-like texture.

4. Scrub it

A baking soda paste is the next step. It is a potent natural cleanser and it is ideal for eradicating unpleasant odor. A tiny basin with around 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of water is all that is needed for this. Mix it thoroughly until it becomes a paste-like consistency.

5. Final Rinse

In order to get rid of the suds, give it one last thorough wash in warm water. It’s good to go again after a quick wipe off with a clean paper towel!

Can You Wash Mold out of Plastic Cups?

Why Mold Grows

To thrive, mold requires a constant supply of moisture, thus it can be found growing almost anyplace. It does not require a lot of moisture and can even survive by absorbing moisture from the surrounding air and converting it into food. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens that aren’t adequately aired are prime breeding grounds for mold.

Mold in Cups

Keeping cups upside-down will help to keep them free of dust and debris, which would otherwise prevent any water from evaporating. Any mold spores that were also trapped under the cup will begin to grow on the cup’s surface. Mold can form between the stacks of stacking cups in your kitchen cupboard, as well..

Removing Cup Mold

Plastic is a relatively nonporous surface, so mold does not become deeply embedded in the plastic and become difficult to remove. This makes it easy to remove mold from plastic cups. Run the cups through the dishwasher to get rid of the mold. Mold spores will be killed and removed from the cup by the soap and heat. A solution of one part white vinegar and one part water can be used to clean the cups.

Preventing Cup Mold

Prevent mold on your cups by drying them completely with a clean cloth before you place them back into your cupboard. The cups should be stored upside down and unstacked until they are totally dry. This is an indicator that your home’s humidity is too high. Set up dehumidifiers in your home and improve your home’s airflow.

Why it's OK to not wash your favorite coffee mug

FAQs

Can you wash mold out of a mug?

Prevent mold on your cups by drying them completely with a clean cloth before you place them back into your cupboard. The cups should be stored upside down and unstacked until they are totally dry. This is an indicator that your home’s humidity is too high. Set up dehumidifiers in your home and improve your home’s airflow.

What kills mold in cups?

Put your cups back in the cupboard after properly drying them with a clean cloth. If the cups are not totally dry, store them right-side up and unstacked. You may have a humid problem if the situation continues. Invest in a dehumidifier or improve the ventilation in your home.

What happens if you drink moldy tea?

A little bit of moldy food isn’t much of an issue because stomach acid is strong enough to get rid of most bacteria. However, the majority of people who consume a moldy concoction will not experience any gastrointestinal distress.

How do you remove mold from drinking glass?

White vinegar has been demonstrated in studies to kill 82% of mold spores, viruses, and germs, making it an effective water bottle cleanser. White vinegar Plastic water bottles, like as Camelbak’s, can also be used. Let your water bottle soak overnight in white vinegar.

How long does it take mold to get out of your system?

When I had so much mold in my body, the flu symptoms ebbed and flowed for several months. You will begin to feel better as you kill the mold and there are less organisms in your body. A year and a half later, my husband was completely mold-free, whereas it took me six months.

Does Bacteria Grow In Water Bottles?

Yes, water bottles can harbor bacteria. In particular, it’s designed to be re-used only once. Soap and warm water must be used to wash them every day.

What Can I Use To Clean My Water Bottle?

Few drops of soap and warm water would be the most basic cleanser. Baking soda, vinegar, and even hydrogen peroxide can be used.

What Happens If You Drink Out A Moldy Cup?

There is a chance that if you have a strong immune system, it will not have an immediate effect on you. It’s possible to get food poisoning from drinking from a moldy cup.

Making the switch to reusable bottles from single-use ones is an informed decision. It’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. You and your family’s safety and the longevity of your water bottles are our top priorities.

Conclusion

Mycotoxins can be found in a wide variety of foods, including coffee beans. However, there are a lot of them.

The benefits of coffee much outweigh the drawbacks. Make sure to thoroughly clean your coffee travel mugs because you never know what can be hiding beneath the lids.

In this post, we addressed the subject of “how to get rid of mold in coffee mug,” looked into several prevention and cleaning methods for mold, and discussed the dangers of unintentionally ingesting mold.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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