Tips&TricksBanishing unsightly tea stains. Easy home solutions from your cupboard

Banishing unsightly tea stains. Easy home solutions from your cupboard

Tea spilled on the carpet
Tea spilled on the carpet
Images source: © Getty Images | Liudmila Chernetska

9:46 AM EST, December 29, 2023

Tea is one of the oldest beverages known to man, credited to the inhabitants of Asia and, more specifically, Emperor Shen Nung. The tale goes that the Emperor sought rest under a tree during his travels in China. When he was served hot water, a leaf from the Camellia Sinensis plant fell into his cup of boiling water, resulting in the first tea brew.

The drink quickly gained popularity across the globe. Its taste, aroma, and health benefits made it a favored beverage in the world's farthest corners. The aromatic, warming cup of tea is a joy to many, but, unfortunately, it has a drawback - it leaves behind unsightly stains when spilled onto fabric. Let's explore how to remove these stains.

How to Remove Tea Stains?

Is winter unimaginable without your cup of hot tea? You're not alone. A moment's lapse can easily lead to a spill on your carpet, couch, or tablecloth—a visible stain forms instantly on the fabric. If not removed promptly, the brew soaks into the material, making the stain more challenging. But there's a solution.

If the stain is on a tablecloth, soak it in warm water and leave it for half an hour. Water should handle the stain effectively. Once washed, all traces of the stain should disappear. But what about a carpet or a couch? This can be a bit more complicated. Water alone doesn't suffice. Reach out for things that you potentially have at home - baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar. Apply either of these on the stain, leave it for half an hour, and then wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth. The stain should fade away on drying.

Hydrogen Peroxide - A Useful Household Product

Hydrogen peroxide is a beneficial product to have around at home. Its uses are varied and many. This humble product can disinfect wounds and promote skin regeneration. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for cleaning, as it's excellent at bleaching fabrics. If an unwelcome stain from tea, coffee, or wine soils your couch, apply hydrogen peroxide and leave it for an hour. Then, rub the stain with a clean, damp sponge. This method can even remove old, dried stains.

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