How to Remove Tea Stains From a Coffee Maker

Brewing tea in your coffee pot is convenient way to make, and keep warm, a large pot of tea to drink throughout the day or share with family and friends. But tea stains build up, leaving a brown or yellow discoloration on your coffee maker. This discoloration can affect the taste of future pots of tea or coffee. Remove tea stains using simple techniques and supplies found at home so you can brew the next pot of tea in a clean pot.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered dishwasher detergent
• Measuring spoons
• Baking soda
• Wooden spoon (optional)
• Plastic mesh dish scrubber

Instructions

1. 

   Spilled tea creates a brown stain.

   Loosen tea stains by placing 2 tsp. powdered dishwasher detergent in your coffee pot and filling it with hot water. Allow the coffee pot to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so stains begin to lift away from the surface.

2. 

   Rinse your coffee pot well.

   Rinse your coffee pot with cold water. Fill and empty the pot a few times to remove all traces of dishwasher detergent.

3. Fill your coffee pot with cool water and add 1 tbsp. baking soda. Swish the pot around to mix or stir it with a wooden spoon.

4. 

   Clean your coffee maker regularly for better tasting coffee and tea.

   Pour the baking soda solution into your coffee maker's water reservoir. Start the brewing cycle. As the baking soda mixture works through the water reservoir into the coffee pot, it removes tea and coffee stains, grease and odor. Allow the solution to cool in the pot, and scrub lightly with a plastic mesh dish scrubber. Rinse well.

5. Fill your coffee pot with plain water and run another brewing cycle to rinse the reservoir and coffee pot.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the process for very stubborn stains. Clean your coffee pot at least once a week to avoid stain build-up.

• Avoid washing coffee machine parts in the dishwasher. It's not as effective and can melt plastic parts.

References

• Observation Mountain: Remove Coffee and Tea Stains
• Creative Homemaking: 5 Simple Ways To Clean Your Coffee Maker