How to Remove Tea Strains From Fabric? 5 Easy Home Remedies

Are you a tea lover? If yes, then you can feel the beauty of life with tea; it can refresh our bodies and souls with just one sip. But you can also relate that removing tea stains from clothes is complex and challenging, especially white ones.
These tea stains can be unsightly, leaving behind ugly marks that look bad. And it causes stress to you, and you think you must spend hours cleaning them, right? If yes, then don’t worry! Today we are here to explain everything you need to know about how to remove tea stains.
This detailed blog will teach you the best methods to remove tea stains from delicate fabrics. From household ingredients to commercial stain removers, you will get different useful techniques according to your preference.
With a step-by-step guide, you can fight against tea stains and get your clothes as they were before, shiny and soft. After all, according to the latest reports, tea is the most widely used drink after water.
Table of Contents
What You Will Need to Remove Tea Stains
Before removing tea stains, arrange these tools and materials.
Necessary Tool:
- A clean cloth or sponge
- A soft removing brush (like a toothbrush)
- Stain remover
- Washing Machine
- Soaking Bowl
Materials:
- Natural Laundry detergent
- Oxidising stain remover
- Stain remover stick or gel
- Baking soda
- White Vinegar
- Cold Water
- Dish Shop
- Paper Towel / Clean Towel
After getting this equipment and materials, let’s explore step by step guide for removing tea stains from clothes.
(Image showing tea stain in a white shirt, a white cup and a website logo. A heading, How to remove tea stains from fabric?)
Method 1: Take Immediate Action

Multiple techniques are used to remove tea stains from fabric. Everyone can use them according to their easiness and available material. If one method isn’t working for you, try another, as there are multiple.
First, immediately act if you see any spill or tea stain on your white shirt or clothes. Because tea leaves tannis, and these tannins are very challenging and complex to get rid of if they dry. After seeing tea stains on your clothes, suddenly use the following methods.
- Blot the Strain
First of all, blot the stain gently with a delicate material or clean paper towel or white cloth. Press the clean towel into the tea stain area and let it absorb all the spilled tea. Make sure you gently rub the affected area, as harsh rubbing can damage the delicate fabric. Also, it can push the tea stain to go deeper.
- Wash With Cold Water
Wash the affected area with cold water, as cold water is very effective in removing tea stains immediately. Allow the cold water from the back of the shirt to pull the tea stain instead of just running water from the front of the cloth. This technique will ensure that the stain is removed effortlessly.
Method 2: Apply Laundry Detergent

You might need to use laundry detergent as a stain removal for tough and stubborn stains,
- Apply detergent for Tea Stain Removal.
To remove tea stains, use a small amount of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent with cold water; you can use warm water too. Apply them onto the tea stain by using a clean towel. If your tea stain is dried, apply the natural detergent, soak the fabric in the cold water for at least 25-30 minutes, and then rinse.
- Scrub and Dry
Rub the affected area gently with a soft brush or fingertips, and wash it with clear water. Let it dry, and your tea stain is already gone.
Method 3: Using Baking Soda

Baking soda also effectively removes tea stains and treats delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
- Make a Baking Soda Paste and Apply
Start by boiling half a bucket of water and soak your clothes in this warm water for 10 minutes.
After that, prepare baking soda paste; mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a bit of water, and do not make it too thin. Apply this baking soda paste to the tea stain and rub gently with your fingertips. It is excellent to pull off the brown colour of tea.
- Wash and Dry
After rubbing, allow the baking soda paste to be on the cloth for 1-2 hours, and once the stain is lighter, wash it in your washing machine.
Method 4: Use White Vinegar for Tea Stain Removal

White vinegar is a natural stain-fighting agent and a multipurpose food product that’s safe for most fabrics to lighten without causing any damage. To remove tea stains from your favourite clothes, follow these instructions.
- Mix ½ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of water in a clean spray bottle.
- Blend it thoroughly and spray it directly on the tea stain.
- Allow it to remain as such for almost 10-12 minutes, respray vinegar, and put the cloth in clean water.
- Repeat the process twice if the stain is not gone.
Method 5: Use Stain Remover for Stubborn Tea Strains
If the above stain removal methods are not working, you should need a commercial stain remover to remove these stubborn and old tea stains. You can wash your stained area with stain remover by following the steps.
- Boil water with whom you wash your clothes
- Soak your fabric in warm water and add ⅔ tablespoons of stain remover.
- Work will take 10-15 minutes, and then rinse usually with clean water.
Additional Remedies Tips:
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice can also remove stains; a few drops over the stained area is enough. After 5 minutes, rinse it with cold water. And when the cloth is washed, dry it.
- Hydrogen peroxide: When hydrogen peroxide is mixed with baking soda, it works excellently to remove stains. Apply it on the stain and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before rubbing it away gently with an old toothbrush.
Conclusion
Tea stains can certainly be a headache, especially if you’re unsure how to remove tea stains effectively. If immediate action to remove tea stains is not taken, it would be challenging to remove it after some time. Old and dried tea stains are more difficult to get rid of.
Every passing day, tea consumption is increasing heavily; according to the latest studies, the production reached 6.604 million metric tonnes in 2023. But with proper treatment and cleaning, we can remove the stains permanently.
In this comprehensive article, we have discussed different methods of tea stain removal, such as using baking soda, vinegar, laundry detergent, and stain remover. You can use any of them according to the material available at that time in your home.
Ready to tackle those stains? Visit Totkay.com for more smart home solutions and cleaning tips!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get dried tea stains out of fabric?
To remove dried tea stains, pre-treat the area with a paste of baking soda and water or a solution of white vinegar and water. Apply it, let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour, then gently rub and rinse with cold water.
What will dissolve tea stains?
Effective solutions for dissolving tea stains include liquid laundry detergent, a paste made from baking soda, a solution of white vinegar and water, or a few drops of lemon juice.
How to get tea stains out of a tablecloth?
For tablecloth stains, You can apply a baking soda paste or a mixture of white vinegar and water directly to the stain. Let it penetrate, then gently rub and wash the tablecloth.
How to remove tea stains from clothes using lemon?
- To remove tea stains with lemon, apply a few drops of fresh lemon juice directly onto the stained area. Gently pat it into the fabric.
- For white fabrics, you can even let it sit in direct sunlight for added bleaching action.
- After 5-10 minutes, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water before washing the garment as usual.
Can white vinegar effectively remove tea stains?
Yes, white vinegar is a beneficial natural stain remover for tea stains. Its acetic acid content helps break down the tannins in the tea.
Does tea stain removal work on old, dried stains?
Removing old, dried tea stains is more challenging, but it’s often possible. Immediate action is always best. For set-in stains, methods like baking soda paste, white vinegar, or a strong commercial stain remover can still be effective.

Hi, I’m a dedicated writer at Totkay.com, passionate about sharing practical tips and solutions to make your life easier. Explore my articles for helpful insights and valuable advice. Stay connected for more expert content!