How to Remove Tea Stains from Clothes

But where there is tea, there are also tea stains, and you’ll have to deal with tea-stained clothes. 

The tea stain removal process can become challenging without a specialized stain remover, such as Vanish, designed to effectively break down tannins and pigments in tea and ensure thorough tea stain removal. 

So, keep reading our article to learn how to remove tea stains from your favorite garments because stain removal is our cup of tea! 

You must address the tea stain as soon as you see it. The longer you wait and let the stain sit, the more it will penetrate the fabric’s fiber, making it more difficult to remove. 

Once you have seen the stain, quickly take a clean, damp paper towel or cloth and dab the stain until you have removed as much as possible. 

After that, use Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder to remove tea stains, lingering odors, and germs from whites, and for colored clothes, use Vanish Oxi Action Powder. 

There are three methods for utilizing Vanish products to eliminate stains: Pre-treat, Soaking, and adding directly to the Wash. 

Although pre-treatment and soaking are typically reserved for tough stains, the in-wash method is the simplest and can be combined with pre-treat or soaking.

Option 1: Pre Treat

1. Add ¼ scoop (15g) of Vanish Oxi Action Powder in the water (MAX 40°C)

2. Stir for 30 seconds.

3. Apply the mixture directly onto the stain, rub it gently, and let it sit for 10 mins (do not allow Vanish to dry on the fabric. 

4. Wash as usual. 

Option 2: Soak

1. Add 1 scoop (60g) of Vanish Oxi Action Powder in 4L of water.

2. Stir for 30 seconds.

3. Soak colored clothes in the solution for 1h max, and for whites, it's 4h max.

4. Wash as usual. 

Option 3: Wash

Add Vanish Oxi Action Powder to your machine on top of your laundry detergent. Below are the recommended stain remover dosages:

• ½  scoop (30g) for normal stains.

• 1 scoop (60g) for tough & dried stains.

Note: Before using Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder, you should always follow the usage instructions on the pack and the garment care advice.

Let’s look at alternatives for removing tea stains if you do not have Vanish. 

1. Lemon

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and dab some of it onto the stained area. Let the lemon juice sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it with cold water. Afterward, wash as usual with laundry detergent, using a machine or hand wash. 

Risks of using lemon to remove tea stains: 

• Lemon is acidic and can harm delicate fabrics like silk, wool, linen, chiffon, lace, and other fabrics with embroidery or embellishments. 

• It can cause discoloration if left on in the sun for too long, even after washing the lemon. 

2. White Vinegar

Mix one part vinegar into two part water to create a solution. Next, soak the stained fabric in the solution for about 30 minutes. Then, gently scrub the stained area and rinse it in cold water. Afterward, wash as usual, following the care instructions, and use your laundry detergent. 

Risks of using vinegar to remove tea stains: 

• Like lemon, vinegar is also acidic, and using it too much or too often can damage delicate fabric and ruin its appearance completely. 

• Vinegar can be quite pungent and irritate your skin, so you should consider wearing a mask and gloves when handling it. 

How do you remove dried tea stains?

To remove dried tea stains, pre-treat them using the Vanish Multi Use Liquid Stain Removal and add its 100ml dose with the laundry detergent into your washing machine to remove set-in tea stains. 

Can tea stains be washed out?

Hot water can help loosen tea stains and may even remove it completely. But for the best tea stain removal results, always use Vanish stain remover products to pre-treat, soak, and wash the stained item before washing it as usual. 

Can baking soda remove tea stains? 

Baking soda can remove tea stains by applying its paste to the stained area for at least 15 minutes before rubbing and rinsing it with cold water. However, using baking soda for too long or too often can damage clothes and lead to skin irritation.