How to Remove Tea Stains

Having a cup of tea can always make your mind fresh and relaxing any time. Who does not love to have tea – be it summer, winter, rain or autumn? But the problem occurs when you accidentally spill the tea on your favorite dress, carpet, or important papers. You may start panicking that your cloth got ruined, but that is not the case. 

visual representation of tea spill

You don’t have to worry anymore- we have come up with this article to help you by providing solutions on how you can remove those tea stains from anything you want. As we know, different materials require different ways to remove tea stains, so here is a list of how to do that. But before we start, firstly, you need to know the following tips:

Tips to Remember Before Removing Tea Stains

Here are a few suggestions that you must keep in mind before you start with the stain-removal process:

  • As soon as you notice any tea stain, act fast but do not panic. Do not let the stain dry up, as it is more difficult to remove dried tea stains.
  • Never run a blow dryer on tea stains- it will make it worse because heat sets the stain firmly on the material.
  • Always check the fabric care labels carefully before you begin. Strictly follow the instructions written on it and then only carry on with the following methods.
  • If the stain still does not get removed, seek professional help.

How to Remove Tea Stains from Clothes

Stain remover. Before you start, make sure you check the fabric care label on the cloth. Then, soak the stained area in a mixture of cold water and stain remover. If the fabric care label allows, you can even use hot water. Simply take the cloth in a bowl and pour some hot water on the stain directly. Then, wash the cloth using some liquid detergent.

Baking soda and Laundry detergent. If the above method does not work, you can opt for this one. Wash the stained area under running cold water and rub some laundry detergent on it. Allow it to soak for a few minutes. If the stain is old, soak it for a minimum of 30 minutes. Then, put some baking soda directly on the tea stain and let it sit for 10-12 hours. Lastly, rinse the cloth with liquid detergent and warm water. Addition use of stain remover will show more effective results.

If the fabric care label says dry cleaning only, or if the cloth is of silk or woolen material, we suggest you take it to a professional cleaner.

How to Remove Tea Stains from Carpets or Upholstery

White vinegar. Firstly, take some water on a plain cloth and dab it on the tea stain. Now, make a solution of two cups of water and one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, and dab it on the stained area. Let it soak for at least ten minutes, and repeat the process if the stain does not lighten up. Lastly, wash the area by dabbing some cold water and let it dry by blotting it with a soft cloth.

You can replace the above-mentioned mixture with one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, one tablespoon of a liquid dishwasher, and two cups of warm water to get better results.

visual representation of tea stain on carpet

How to Remove Tea Stains from Cups or Mugs

Baking soda. Take one tablespoon of baking soda in some water until it becomes a paste. Apply it to the stained mug and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a toothbrush until the stain gets removed. Lastly, wash the mug with a liquid dishwasher detergent and cold water and let it dry.

Toothpaste. Toothpaste is well-known for removing stains from ceramics. You have to apply some toothpaste on a brush and scrub the stain. Then, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and wash it with plain water.

Salt and Vinegar. Another way of removing tea stains from cups is salt and vinegar. Firstly, wipe the stained area with a dampened cloth. Make a mixture of two tablespoons of salt and two tablespoons of vinegar and dip it in a soft cloth. Use the cloth to rub the mixture on the stain, and then pour the remaining mixture inside the mug to sit for at least 10 minutes. Lastly, wash it off and let it dry.

visual representation of baking soda and vinegar with toothbrush and scrubber

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove old tea stains?

Yes. You can remove old tea stains. Take a mixture of white vinegar, water, and liquid laundry detergent, and apply it to the tea stain. Scrub the area with a toothbrush and let it soak for one hour. Now, rinse with some warm water, and you are done.

Do lemons remove tea stains?

You can apply lemon juice on tea stains and scrub them with a brush. Then let it soak for a few minutes, but this can lighten up the tea stain. We suggest you apply the other methods as they are more effective than lemon juice. Also, lemon can bleach the area and ruin your cloth.

What is the best way to remove tea stains?

Although the best-working method to remove tea stains is applying white vinegar directly on the wet tea stain, several other methods work well, such as baking soda, stain remover, etc.