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Tea can be quite a satisfying beverage on a normal day, but it doesn't take much for your beloved tea to quickly turn into your worst nightmare. Yep, we are talking about all the times you had to scramble to change your clothes because of an unexpected spillage.
For tea enthusiasts, dealing with stains on clothing, carpets, upholstery, and china is an unavoidable reality. While tea stains may initially appear light, their removal can be quite challenging due to the high tannin content in tea, making these stains tougher to eliminate than those from coffee.
How to remove tea stains from clothes
Fortunately, there are several practical methods for removing tea stains, many of which utilize common household items. Here's how you can restore your clothes to their former glory through some easy steps at home:
Act fast
The key to successful removal is to act swiftly. Addressing the stain while it's still wet significantly increases the chances of complete stain removal. It’s also important to avoid putting freshly stained items in the dryer, as heat can set the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove.
Cold Water Rinse
Start by turning the stained item inside out. Rinse the affected area under cold water to dilute the stain before following it up with detergent.
Detergent
Apply a suitable laundry detergent directly onto the stain and let it sit for about five minutes. For older or dried stains, soak the item in cold water for half an hour after applying detergent, then rinse. If the stain persists, gently rub in more detergent and soak in warm water for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Baking Soda Treatment
If the stain is still wet, sprinkle baking soda on it. This helps absorb the tea and draw the discoloration out of the fabric. Allow the baking soda to sit for 12 hours, then gently scrape it off. Wash the garment as instructed on the care label, opting for gentle hand-washing if necessary.
Soaking in Stain Remover
Prepare a solution of cold water and an oxidizing stain remover and soak the stained garment according to the product’s guidelines. If the stain remains after soaking, try using a stain remover stick, gel, or spray. Let it sit for five minutes before washing.
If the stain proves stubborn, don’t hesitate to repeat the process all over again.