Spotted some stubborn tea rings in your go-to Nordic Mug? Or maybe you spilled a mugful of Earl Grey on your boyfriend’s favourite sweater (which he doesn’t know you borrowed)? Lucky for you – we’ve got cleaning genius-approved tips and tricks to make those stains vanish once and for all. From shirts and tablecloths to couches and countertops, here are five quick and easy ways to remove pesky tea stains from virtually anything.
Mugs & Travel Mugs
What you need: Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Squeeze toothpaste onto a toothbrush and use it to scrub the inside of your mug or travel mug until the tea stains disappear.
- Not working? Try dishwashing liquid with a bit of baking soda or salt and a sponge. This mild abrasive should help get rid of those stains in a jif.
Linens
What you need: Cold water + dishwashing liquid + baking soda
- Immediately rinse the stained fabric thoroughly with cold water
- Rub in a bit of clear dishwashing liquid and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Stain still there? Try gently rubbing in some baking soda along with the dishwashing liquid, then rinse.
- Wash in the washing machine as usual – with any luck, the stain should disappear.
Upholstery (carpet, sofa, mattress)
What you need: 1 tbsp dishwashing liquid + 2 cups of water + 1 tsp white vinegar
- Blot tea stain until most of it is removed.
- Mix dishwashing liquid and white vinegar in water.
- With a clean white cloth or sponge, apply the mixture and dab on the stain.
- Using another clean cloth, rinse the stain with cold water.
- Repeat steps 2 & 3 until stain is no longer visible.
- Blot with a dry towel.
Surfaces
What you need: ½ cup white vinegar to 1 cup water
- As soon as you notice a spill, wipe it up right away! This’ll prevent the tea from settling into porous surfaces and drying.
- Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto the stain and let it work its magic for 5 minutes before wiping it off with a dishcloth.
- Stain not coming off? Mix a bit of baking soda with dishwashing liquid and scrub gently.
- Rinse and repeat step 3 & 4 until stain disappears.
Teeth
What you need: Toothpaste + baking soda
- Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on top of your toothpaste-covered toothbrush.
- Brush teeth thoroughly and rinse.
- Show off that dazzling smile!
If all else fails, detergent-to-go sticks are your new bestie – just make sure to not use that heavy duty cleaner on your pearly whites!
