Wave goodbye to unsightly marks on your favourite cups and teapots, as we unveil the secrets to creating an effective, homemade natural tea stain remover.
Do you hand wash your cups or put them in the dishwasher and find that stains build up? There are natural ways you can remove the stains without buying expensive chemical products.
Keep reading for an eco-conscious and budget-friendly method to keep your kitchenware and fabrics looking as good as new.
Benefits of Natural Tea Stain Removers
There are different ways to remove these stains and in this section we discuss the benefits of using natural tea stain removers over alternatives that contain harsh chemicals.
- Environmentally Friendly
Natural tea stain removers are environmentally friendly and pose no threat to the ecosystem. Unlike commercial cleaners, they do not release harmful chemicals into the air or waterways. Moreover, since natural tea stain removers are made using organic material, they are biodegradable and will not leave any toxic residue.
If you buy any of these stain removers from a refill shop like Nom Wholefoods you can buy without plastic packaging so you will immediately be reducing your plastic waste.
If you order online you can order in paper bags, and we’ll deliver nationwide to your door. You can also click and collect. Or bring your own container to our shop in Staple Hill, Bristol to remove your packaging waste completely.
- Safe for Fabrics
Natural tea stain removers are safe for most fabrics since they do not contain any harsh chemicals that can damage or bleach your clothes. They are gentle, making them an ideal choice for delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, or linen.
Furthermore, natural tea stain removers are less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritations compared to commercial cleaners.
- Cost-effective
Natural tea stain removers are cost-effective and easy to make at home. Most of the ingredients used to make them are readily available in your kitchen (and sold at Nom Wholefoods!), such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and citric acid.
Creating your own can save you money in the long run because you don’t need to buy specific products to do it and is an excellent way to reduce your household waste.
- Versatile
Natural tea stain removers are versatile and can be used to remove stains from various surfaces, including tea cups, clothes, carpets, and upholstery.
Additionally, you can use natural tea stain removers to clean other areas in your home, such as your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. This versatility means that you do not need to buy multiple cleaning products since one product can handle most of your cleaning needs.
Ingredients for making your own natural tea stain remover
Tea stains can be quite stubborn and difficult to remove, especially when they have set in for a while. Luckily, any of these natural ingredients can help get rid of these stains without causing any harm to the environment or your health.
Choose from any of the following natural products to remove the stain whether it’s a teacup, tea pot or piece of clothing.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a versatile and inexpensive ingredient that can be used for a variety of cleaning purposes. It is highly effective at breaking down tea stains due to its acidic properties. You can mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and then apply the solution to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the stain with a clean cloth or brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and repeat the process if necessary.
Bicarbonate of Soda
Bicarbonate of Soda is another common household ingredient that has powerful cleaning properties. It is mildly abrasive and can help lift tea stains from fabrics and surfaces. Mix a small amount of bicarbonate of soda with water to form a paste, and then apply it to the tea stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area with a brush or cloth. Rinse the area with water and repeat the process until the stain has disappeared.
Green Bleach /Sodium Percarbonate
Green Bleach is a bleaching agent that comes from natural resources. Unlike standard bleach, it is completely biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. It can be disposed of down the sink. It comes in powder form.
To remove tea stains from a cup, add a teaspoon to the cup and dissolve with hot water. Let the water cool then scrub the cup to remove the stains.
To remove from garments, dissolve a spoonful of sodium percarbonate in hot water and soak the fabric in the solution. Rub the stain with the solution once soaked for 30 minutes. It may need longer depending on how old the stain is. You can wash the garment as normal after that.
Citric Acid is an acidic powder made from citrus fruit. It is completely biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. To remove tea stains from a cup, add a teaspoon to the cup and dissolve with hot water. Let the water cool then scrub the cup to remove the stains.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help remove stubborn tea stains. It is also effective at cutting through grease and grime, making it a useful ingredient for cleaning kitchen surfaces.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the area with a brush or cloth and rinse with water. You can repeat the process if the stain is particularly stubborn.
Salt
Salt is another natural ingredient that can help remove tea stains from fabrics and surfaces. It is mildly abrasive and can help lift the stain without damaging the material. Mix a small amount of salt with water to form a paste, and then apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area with a brush or cloth. Rinse the area with water and repeat the process if necessary.
Tea Bags
Believe it or not, tea bags can actually help remove tea stains! Simply steep a tea bag in boiling water for a few minutes, and then remove it from the water. Gently rub the tea bag over the stain, being careful not to rub too hard. The tannins in the tea can help break down the stain and lift it from the fabric or surface.
By using any of these natural ingredients, you can create your own effective and eco-friendly tea stain remover that will leave your fabrics and surfaces looking clean and fresh.
Tips for Using Natural Tea Stain Remover
Here are some tips to help you get the best results.
Test the Solution First
Before using your choice of stain remover on a large or visible area, it’s always a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous spot first. This will help you make sure that the solution doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Simply apply a small amount of the solution to the test area, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it off with water. If there are no adverse effects, then you can safely use the solution on the rest of the stain.
Apply the Solution Properly
It’s important to apply the solution properly. First, blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess liquid. Then, apply the natural tea stain remover to the stain, making sure to saturate it completely.
You can use a spray bottle, a sponge, or a clean cloth to apply the solution. For best results, let the solution sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down the stain.
Rinse Thoroughly
After the product has had time to work on the stain, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly to remove all traces of the solution and the stain. Rinse the stained area with clean water, making sure to remove all of the solution.
You may need to repeat the rinsing process a few times to ensure that the stain is completely gone. Once you’ve rinsed the stained area, blot it with a clean, dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.
Which one will you try?
We’ve shown you that using natural ingredients such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and citric acid, you can create a powerful and eco-friendly cleaning solution that is safe for you and your family.
Not only is this method more affordable than shop-bought stain removers, but it is also better for the environment and your health.
So, the next time you spill tea on your favourite shirt or tablecloth, remember that you can easily remove the stain using natural ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Give it a try and see for yourself how effective and easy it can be to make your own natural tea stain remover!
