Say goodbye to stubborn tea stains with these simple hacks
Tea stains in our favorite mugs are common, and their removal can sometimes be quite challenging. How can you remove tea residue without scrubbing? Try this simple trick.
5:03 PM EST, November 15, 2024
Everyone has seen tea residue at the bottom of their favorite mug. This brownish deposit, though harmless, is quite stubborn to remove, and a regular dishwasher cycle often isn't enough. The residue forms due to chemical reactions between substances in tea and minerals in hard water.
How to remove residue from mugs?
One of the most recommended ways to get rid of tea stains is to use baking soda. This versatile substance, commonly found in every kitchen, has abrasive and cleaning properties. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste, which you then apply to the stained surface. After a few minutes, rinse the mug with warm water.
Using vinegar is another equally effective option. Known for its cleaning properties, vinegar handles stubborn stains very well. Simply pour it into the mug, add a pinch of salt, and let it sit for a few minutes. After this time, pour out the solution and wash the mug.
While baking soda and vinegar are the most recommended methods, other approaches are worth trying. One of them is using lemon juice. Thanks to its bleaching properties, lemon juice effectively removes stains. Just squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the dirty mug, fill it with warm water, and let it sit for an hour. After that, wash the mug.
Another effective method is using salt. Salt acts as a gentle abrasive and can be used to clean mugs manually. Sprinkle a little onto a damp sponge and rub the stains. You can combine it with lemon juice for even better results, which will further enhance the cleaning effect.
The last suggestion is to clean the mug with baking powder. Similar to baking soda, mix it with a little water to form a thick paste. Then, rub the stained mug with it.
How to prevent tea stains from forming?
To prevent stains from reforming, it is recommended to wash dishes regularly right after consuming the drink. The shorter the residue's contact time with the dish, the easier it will be to remove. Avoid leaving drink remnants in mugs for extended periods.
It is also worth considering using less hard water, as calcium in hard water contributes to forming residues. Filtering the water before using it reduces the risk of deposits forming.
