Dh has a coffee mug that was left at work (dirty) for at least a few weeks. I've washed it a few times, put baking soda in it and let it sit overnight twice now, and it still stinks. Any ideas how I can get it to smell better?
Try stuffing it full of newspaper and put it in a zip lock bag for a day or so. I have not tried this, but a lady at church claims it works. She had heard that the paper works on tupperware and got this idea. Don't know if it will work, but it shouldn't hurt I guess.
yes Beth is right stuff newspaper in it you do it ice chest too, to get the fish smell out. But, the key is you have to leave it a few days. If that don't work put vinger or bleach in it and let it stand awhile and then wash good.
it must be a really good coffee mug, I am not sure I'd put so much effort into one coffee mug.... but I know everyone does get attached to their favorites.... I've heard of the newspaper trick too in ice chests, If its a regular ceramic kind I'd try that, but if its a to-go kind of cup with a metal liner I'd use vinegar and baking soda and rinse it out with warm water (we do this to my husband's thermos some times and the kids love to see the valcano effect)
Soak it in Vinegar overnight, then wash with a baking soda paste, and wash with regular dish soap. Smell should be gone.
If it is one of those big plastic mugs, set it out in direct sunlight for a few hours. (This also works with tomato stained plastic containers.) The sun will bleach out the stains/smells. If it is ceramic or glass, you can put ice, salt and lemon juice in and really shake it around. We did this with the glass coffee carafes at our restaurant, and the glass would just shine. MT3
Good point on checking the plastic- My husband recenlty found out about that #7 plastic....there si so much stuff made with it!!!! Our 3 plastic lined travel mugs had to go.
Thanks for all of the great ideas! I've got it stuffed with newspaper right now. We'll see how it goes. I don't want to throw it away, I try not to be a waster.
Wikipedia has a chart that says #7 is made of Other plastics, including acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, fiberglass, nylon, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid. They are used for bottles and plastic lumber applications. What that means in terms of throwing out a mug, I have no idea....(I'm generally clueless anyway.....LOL)
Hey - stop spoiling all the fun. We men like using stinky things. It's part of our manhood. If you manage to clean this mug so that it smells of something like African violets, it's certain to get thrown away. The smell of sweat and grime is what we crave.
