How to Remove Tea Stains

Co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: February 7, 2024 References

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. 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.
Immediately rinse or blot the tea stain with cold water if the spill has just occurred.^{[1]
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Research source} 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
Soak the garment in cold water. 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]
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  Research source} However, only add bleach if the garment is white.
4
Soak cotton garments in a vinegar solution. 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]
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Research source} 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]
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- 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]
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When the stained garment has had time to soak, launder it as you normally would.^{[6]
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Research source} If the garment is white, use bleach. You can use oxygenated bleach or color-safe bleach on colored fabrics.
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]
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Research source} 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
Rub the tea stain with a salted lemon peel. 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
Rub the tea stain with a baking soda paste. 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]
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Research source} 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]
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Rinse the dish or cup underneath some water to remove baking soda, lemon and salt flavors.^{[11]
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Research source} Wash the cup as you normally would with some dish detergent and water.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Tea Stains From Carpet

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1
Blot any excess tea. 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
Apply a carpet stain remover to the spot. 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 a cleaning solution. 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]
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- Rinse away the solution and the stain by blotting the area with a cloth and some clean, cold water.

Community Q&A

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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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How do I remove tea stains from a thermos?

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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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How do I remove tea stains from my teeth?

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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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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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