How to Remove Tea Stains

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Teas are filled with tannins that can stain fabric, upholstery, china and even teeth. Removing tea stains requires a strong detergent, abrasive substance or acidic agent. Pick the method that’s right for the surface and act as soon as possible to avoid setting the stain––if you act fast, most times you can remove the tea stain completely.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Removing Tea Stains From Fabric

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  1. Check the garment label for the specific washing instructions. If the label on the garment tag says “Dry Clean Only,” take it to the dry cleaners right away. Point the stain out to the cleaner so they know exactly what kind of stain they’re dealing with.
    • If the label does not say “Dry Clean Only,” you can try to get the stain out yourself using some household products.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Tea Stains
    Immediately rinse or blot the tea stain with cold water if the spill has just occurred. [1] Blot the stain with a clean cloth, continuous moving the cloth around to blot the stain with a clean section. Continue blotting the spot until no more of the stain is lifting from the garment.
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  3. If your garment does not require dry cleaning, soak it in cold water for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave the garment to soak overnight if the stain is particularly big.
    • Consider adding a small amount of detergent (a few tablespoons for 1 gallon of water) or bleach to the cold water soak. [2] However, only add bleach if the garment is white.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Tea Stains
    You could also try soaking a cotton garment in a vinegar solution. Mix together 3 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of cold water in a bucket, bowl, or sink. [3] Add the cotton garment to the solution and let it soak for about 30 minutes.
    • Alternatively, you could spray the vinegar solution straight onto the stain, and allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes. [4]
    • If the stain remains after the soak, pour some table salt onto the stain and rub the fabric and salt together with you fingers. [5]
  5. When the stained garment has had time to soak, launder it as you normally would. [6] If the garment is white, use bleach. You can use oxygenated bleach or color-safe bleach on colored fabrics.
  6. Remove the fabric from the wash machine and survey it before you place it in the dryer. Heat will set a stain, so it should not be used until the tea is entirely removed. [7] If the stain is entirely removed, dry the garment as you normally would or place it outside to dry in the sun. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Removing Tea Stains From Dishes

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Tea Stains
    Cut a large section of lemon peel. Sprinkle some table salt onto the outer side of the peel. Rub the salted lemon on the stained cup or dish in small circular motions. The acidity of the lemon peel and the abrasiveness of the salt will remove the tea stain.
    • Apply more salt as needed until the surface is clean.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Tea Stains
    If the lemon peel and salt method doesn’t work, create a baking soda paste. Mix together baking soda with a little bit of water in a small dish. [9] You want the paste to be thick enough that you can rub it onto the stained area with a cloth or paper towel.
    • Use some pressure to rub the tea stains out of the dish or cup. After a few minutes the stain can be rinsed away. [10]
  3. Rinse the dish or cup underneath some water to remove baking soda, lemon and salt flavors. [11] Wash the cup as you normally would with some dish detergent and water.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Removing Tea Stains From Carpet

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Tea Stains
    Use a clean, dry towel or cloth to blot at the spill and soak up any excess tea. Keep blotting at the spot until no more tea is lifted from the carpet.
    • You can add small amounts of water and continue to blot at the spill, pulling more tea from the spot.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Tea Stains
    If your carpet is colored, read the back of the label to make sure the carpet cleaner is color-safe. Add the stain remover to the spill, and follow the manufacture’s directions for removing the stain.
    • Normally, you will allow the stain remover to sit on the stain, and then blot at it with a damp paper towel or cloth to rinse out the carpet cleaner.
    • Move on to the next method if the carpet cleaner doesn’t remove all of the tea stain.
  3. Mix together a cleaning solution of 2 ounces white vinegar and four ounces of water. Dip a clean sponge or cloth in the solution, and sponge it onto the stain. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the stain for approximately 10 minutes. [12]
    • Rinse away the solution and the stain by blotting the area with a cloth and some clean, cold water.
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  • Question
    How do I remove tea stains from stainless steel teaspoons?
    Community Answer
    Just use some baking soda and a little amount of vinegar mixed into a paste. Leave it on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove the paste with a cloth.
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  • Question
    How do I remove tea stains from a thermos?
    Community Answer
    I have had good results with baking soda on a damp paper towel. If you can't reach into the thermos with your hands, a wooden or plastic utensil might work (even the handle if it has a small mouth). Otherwise, try shaking salt and crushed ice.
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  • Question
    How do I remove tea stains from my teeth?
    Community Answer
    Brush teeth with baking soda (a mild abrasive cleaner), rinse well. Use small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide, about 1/4 teaspoon, swish this around in the mouth for 3-4 minutes. It will foam and fill the mouth. H2O2 can be used every other day and over time the teeth will whiten plus this is good for gum health.
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      Video

      Things You'll Need

      • Water
      • Lemon peel
      • Salt
      • Baking soda
      • Dishcloths
      • Towels
      • Baby wipe
      • White vinegar
      • Sponge
      • Carpet cleaner
      • Laundry detergent
      • Color-safe bleach

      Tips

      • Do not rub the stain. Gently blot at it with a sponge or towel.
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      • It’s better to use cold water to flush out a stain than hot water.
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      • To reduce tea stains on your teeth, brush your teeth just after you finish a cup of tea. Tea has been shown to stain tooth enamel more than coffee because of its high tannin content. Use a whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains that remain.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about removing tea stains, check out our in-depth interview with Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-tea-stains-from-clothing/
      2. ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/tea-stain-removal.html
      3. ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-tea-stains
      4. ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-tea-stains
      5. ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-tea-stains
      6. ↑ https://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/remove-tea-stains.html
      7. ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/tea-stain-removal.html
      8. ↑ https://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/remove-tea-stains.html
      9. ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-coffee-tea-stains-in-cup/
      1. ↑ https://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/remove-tea-stains.html
      2. ↑ https://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/remove-tea-stains.html
      3. ↑ https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-tea-stains

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove tea stains from dishes, try rubbing the stain with a salted lemon peel in small circular motions. If this doesn’t work, mix together baking soda with a little bit of water in a small dish until it forms into a paste. Then, rub it onto the stain with a cloth, and rinse it off with water after a few minutes. For tea stains on fabric, rinse the fabric in cold water and blot the stain with a clean cloth until it lifts from the garment. For more tips, like how to remove tea stains from carpet, read on!

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