How to Remove Tea Stains

Tablecloths, napkins and clothes are prone to tea stains. Spills and accidents happen, and tea can be a very difficult stain to remove. Used to dye fabrics, tea contains tannins that can set into the fibers permanently. Use a glycerin-based stain remover to clean your fabrics successfully.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels or white rag
• 1/4 cup glycerin
• 1/4 cup liquid detergent
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Place a few sheets of white paper towels or a folded white rag underneath the tea stain. Do not use any colored paper or fabric when treating a stain because the dyes can transfer onto the fabric you want to clean.

2. In a spray bottle mix 1/4 cup liquid detergent, 1/4 cup glycerin and 1 1/2 cups water. Glycerin is available at the pharmacy.

3. Spray the solution on the stain and use a white rag to gently scrub the tea stain. Start at the outside and work towards the center of the stain.

4. Keep rubbing until you remove the stain.

5. Launder the item as usual. If the tea stain remains, repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not put the tea-stained fabric into the clothes dryer and do not iron, because the heat sets the stain.

References

• Keene State College: Green Cleaning