What is effective in removing tea stains

Tea stains can be effectively removed with common items such as white vinegar, baking soda, citric acid, salt, toothpaste, etc. Tea stains are mainly formed by the combination of tannic acid in tea leaves and water minerals, and long-term accumulation may affect the appearance and hygiene of tea utensils.

1. White Vinegar

The acetic acid in white vinegar can dissolve the calcium and magnesium deposits in tea leaves. Mix white vinegar and water in proportion and soak the tea set. Stubborn tea stains can be enhanced by heating vinegar water. Suitable for ceramic and glass materials, rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning to avoid residual acidity. Acetic acid is corrosive to metal tea and is not recommended for long-term use.

2. Baking Soda

The micro particles of baking soda have physical friction, and its weak alkalinity can neutralize the acidic components of tea stains. Wipe the tea stains directly on a damp cloth, or mix it into a paste and cover the tea stains with it, and let it sit. Suitable for scratch resistant materials such as stainless steel and plastic, with a significant improvement in glossiness after cleaning. Avoid using for plated or painted tea sets to prevent scratches.

III. Citric acid

Citric acid can undergo chelation reaction with metal ions in tea leaves. Soaking tea utensils in citric acid powder dissolved in hot water has a significant effect on fine seams such as the spout and filter. Natural ingredients are harmless to the human body, and cleaning mother and baby products is safer. Excessive concentration may cause some ceramic glaze surfaces to lose their luster, and the soaking time needs to be controlled.

4. Salt

The crystal structure of salt can enhance friction during cleaning. A natural scrub made by mixing coarse salt with lemon juice is suitable for removing stubborn tea stains deposited on the rim of the cup. During operation, use a soft cloth to wipe around the circumference to avoid damaging the vessel with a steel wire ball. Salt may accelerate metal oxidation, and it is necessary to dry it promptly after cleaning.

5. Toothpaste

Toothpaste contains silica isothermal and grinding agents and surfactants. Apply toothpaste directly onto the tea set and use an old toothbrush to carefully scrub the concave and convex areas. Mint ingredients can simultaneously eliminate tea odors and are suitable for quick cleaning of travel tea sets. Whitening toothpaste may contain bleach and is not recommended for use on colored ceramics.

Daily maintenance suggestion: Rinse the tea set promptly after drinking tea and thoroughly clean it once a week. Glass tea sets can be cleaned by boiling potato skins to remove dirt, while purple clay teapots should be treated with tea soup instead of chemical cleaning. Avoid using strong acids, alkalis, or metal brushes. After high-temperature disinfection, they should be completely dried to prevent mold growth. When stubborn tea stains are repeatedly cleaned and ineffective, it may be due to the aging of the tea set causing damage to the glaze surface, and replacement of the utensils should be considered.