Eco‑friendly solutions to banish stubborn tea stains forever
Tea stains in our favourite mugs are a common problem that can be tough to tackle. How can you remove tea residue without scrubbing? Try this simple trick.
15 November 2024 10:57
Everyone has encountered tea residue at the bottom of their favourite mug. This harmless brownish deposit can be stubborn to remove, and regular dishwasher cycles often aren't enough. The residue results from chemical reactions between substances in tea and minerals in hard water.
How to remove residue from mugs?
Baking soda is a highly recommended way to get rid of tea stains. This versatile substance, readily found in every kitchen, possesses abrasive and cleaning properties. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a bit of water to form a thick paste, which you apply to the stained surface. After a few minutes, rinse the mug with warm water.
Using vinegar is another equally effective option. Known for its cleaning properties, vinegar handles stubborn stains remarkably well. Simply pour it into the mug, add a pinch of salt, and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, pour out the solution and wash the mug.
While baking soda and vinegar are the most recommended methods, other approaches are worth trying. One is using lemon juice. With its bleaching properties, lemon juice effectively removes stains. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the dirty mug, fill it with warm water, and let it sit for an hour. Then, wash the mug.
Another effective method is using salt. Salt acts as a gentle abrasive, ideal for manually cleaning mugs. Sprinkle a little onto a damp sponge and rub the stains. Combine it with lemon juice to boost the cleaning effect and enhance results.
The last suggestion is to clean the mug with baking powder. Similar to baking soda, mix it with some water to create a thick paste. Then, rub the stained mug with it.
How to prevent tea stains from forming?
To prevent the recurrence of stains, it's advisable to wash dishes right after finishing your drink. The shorter the residue's contact time with the dish, the easier it will be to remove. Avoid leaving drink remnants in mugs for extended periods.
It's also worthwhile to consider using less hard water, as calcium in hard water contributes to residue formation. Filtering the water before use will reduce the risk of deposits forming.
