How to remove tea stains

As a nation, we can’t deny that we’re partial to a cup of tea every now and then, but what happens if a nice fresh brew gets spilt? Stains happen! Tea stains can be a real nightmare, especially on white clothing but With a touch of knowledge and a few clever techniques, you’ll see that tea stain removal is actually quite simple!  

Options to remove tea stains from clothes or fabric

So that mugs-worth of tea is now a big fat stain on your new white tablecloth? Don’t fret, just be ready to move quickly – and your tabelcloth will be back to a stain-free condition in no time.

• Sponge the tea stain with cold water first to see if it comes out.

• Leave the whole garment to soak in a bucket or sink full of cold water for at least half an hour. The best idea might be to soak overnight in a solution of detergent for stubborn stains.

• If the fabric can handle it (and only if white, being sure to check washing instructions first), add a gentle bleach to the wash.

Some other solutions for removing stubborn tea stains include:

• Spray the tea stain with a vinegar mix (one teaspoon vinegar in one litre of water) and let sit for ten minutes. Then blot and rinse, before washing as normal. Be sure to air-dry.

• For cotton fabrics, try making a solution of three cups white vinegar to one cup water in glass bowl. Add the stained fabric and leave it to soak. Gently rub at the tea stain before rinsing thoroughly in cold water. If the tea stain persists, heap a small pile of salt crystals over the stain before rubbing the salt and fabric gently between your fingers. Rinse well before machine washing as usual.

• Avoid using soap flakes or soap in a bar as this can make the tannin in tea stains harder to budge.

• Don’t use the dryer to dry stained clothing. The heat may set the tea stain.

• For older tea stains that have set, you may need to use a chlorine bleach (for white clothing) or colour-safe bleach (for coloured garments).

Removing tea stains from unwashable fabrics

If the item of clothing is dryclean only, you should book it in with the professionals. They’ll have the best equipment to remove a set stain. Be sure to point out the stain to the cleaners first – and always ask whether the garment can be saved before leaving it with them.

Removing tea stains from carpet or furniture

So that hot cup of tea just went flying all over the new couch or carpet? Don’t worry, it can be fixed! You just need to act fast.

• For carpet: blot up as much of the tea as you can with a clean, white cloth. Apply water to the tea stain, being careful not to use too much (it will spread the stain and the carpet won’t dry). Blot the stained area of the carpet thoroughly. Follow with a carpet stain remover, making sure you use the directions.

• If the tea stain remains, pat some white vinegar onto the stain with a cloth. Allow the vinegar to sit for seven to ten minutes before sponging the carpet with water and blotting.

• Another stain solution for carpet is to mix one tablespoon each of liquid hand washing detergent and white vinegar with two cups of warm water and apply with a clean white cloth (after blotting up as much as you can of the original tea stain). Apply the detergent/vinegar mix a little at a time whilst blotting, until the tea stain disappears. Follow by sponging with cold water before blotting dry.

• For removing tea stains from furniture, mix one tablespoon of liquid hand washing detergent with two cups of cold water. Sponge the detergent on using a clean white cloth. Blot thoroughly until the tea stain disappears off the furniture. Keep sponging on the detergent mix and blotting off until the stain disappears. Follow by sponging over the affected area with a little cold water and blot to dry.

Sources: 

persil.com

kidspot.com.au

kidspot.com.au