How To Remove Company Branding From Coffee Mugs To Turn Them Into Stylish Home Decor

Coffee mugs are one of those items that seem to multiply on their own, leaving us with ones that we're not entirely sure where they came from. This can leave your kitchen feeling cramped with mugs you may rarely use, especially with the NCA reporting a sharp increase in cold brew popularity by 45% since early 2023. If you've found yourself reaching for tumblers and glasses over traditional mugs, you'll be happy to learn you can remove those tricky branding logos with just toothpaste and a bit of elbow grease to get them ready for a DIY project. 

When removing branding logos from coffee mugs, it's important not to dive in too rough off the bat and be mindful of the material you're working on. Mugs made from different materials will require varying tools to complete the job and different methods to make sure there's no damage to the mug itself during the process. Regardless of the material, the key is to be patient and willing to repeat as many times as necessary for flawless results.

If you're working with a ceramic coffee mug that has a logo or some type of printed image, you'll want to grab some toothpaste (be sure it's paste formula, not gel) and an old cloth or rag. The reason toothpaste is a great tool for DIY removal of company branding is due to the abrasive particles found in these types of products, which — similar to breaking down buildup on our teeth — can help get rid of printed-on logos. Start by applying a small amount of toothpaste to the mug and using the rag to gently buff the area. You don't want to use too much pressure, so it may take a few attempts before the entire logo comes off.

The process for glass coffee mugs is similar but requires a few different materials. All you need is citric acid, water, and a cloth. Using a 2:1 ratio of citric acid to water, mix the two to make a thick paste and apply directly to the logo on the mug. Let sit for several minutes, and then use the cloth to gently wipe away the image and leftover adhesive.

Once their surfaces are free of printed images and company branding, the possibilities for repurposing your old coffee mugs are nearly endless. The mugs you already own will become budget-friendly DIY home decor pieces for a fraction of the cost of commercial items. One easy DIY you can complete with a mug free of branding is making a planter for flowers or succulents. Choose whether you want to change the mug's design with paint or decorations before drilling a small drain hole in the bottom. Now, the mug is ready for soil and seeds! If you want something a little more low-maintenance, try creating a vase centerpiece for cut flowers!

Don't rush to throw away your old coffee mugs with chips or broken sections. Even imperfect mugs are useful for DIY, especially when it comes to creating a mosaic piece of home decor. All you have to do is take the broken mug pieces and use them to create anything from a custom mosaic mirror to a stunning centerpiece for your home.