How to remove tea stains from carpet

There are a few ways to remove tea stain from carpet, including using simple things in your own kitchen like baking soda, salt and white vinegar. You can also use a classic stain remover or borax to get rid of these pretty common stains.

Tea is composed of powerful astringent that can stain any fabric, including your carpet. Removing the tea stains in your carpet requires an abrasive substance, powerful detergent, or an acidic agent. Luckily, you can remove the stain on your rug by acting quickly.

Why are stains so visible on carpets?

There are about two billion people in the world who drink tea every morning. This means that it’s not that unusual to drop a cup or two on the carpet, leaving behind an unpleasant brown stain.

The main reason that tea stains carpets is because of a component in the tea called tannin. You can see this compound in different types of plants, which is what tea is made of.  Did you know that tannin is also used as leather dyes and ink? That is why tannin quickly penetrates any surface and stays in that area for a long time.

Different ways to remove tea stains

There are many methods for removing tea stains from your carpet, but doing it right matters. No matter how good the materials you use, if you approach it incorrectly, the tea stains might stay on your carpet forever! Below are the different remedies you can do to remove tea stains from your favorite carpet.

Using baking soda

A baking soda paste helps in removing the stains from the fabric. As it dries, wash it, and you can remove the stains. Follow these steps.

1. Put a cup of baking soda in a container.
2. Dampen a clean cloth and dip it into the container with the baking soda.
3. Make sure that the fabric is covered with baking soda and rub it on your carpet stains.
4. Let cold water run through the fabric to rinse.
5. Use a clean cloth to dry it.

The salt method

If you want to remove tea stains using salt, you need a cup of salt, a glass of baking soda, and an absorbent pad.

1. Soak up all the liquid from the carpet using an absorbent pad.
2. Pour salt over the stain until it is completely covered.
3. When you have covered the stain, pour some club soda over it.
4. Let cold water run through the fabric to rinse.
5. Let the fabric air dry.

Using Borax to get rid of tea stains

For this technique you will need borax, a toothbrush, a clean dry cloth, and a vacuum cleaner.

1. Create a paste out of three parts borax and one part water.
2. Put the paste on the stain with a toothbrush.
3. Scrub the stain gently with your borax-covered toothbrush.
4. Let the mixture dry on the carpet.
5. Use the vacuum cleaner to vacuum up the residue.
6. Rinse it with cold water and use a cloth to soak up all the moisture.

A simple stain remover solution

This technique uses a basic carpet cleaning detergent and rags. Make sure that you choose a cleanser that is appropriate for the fabric of your carpet.

1. Use a clean rag to absorb the liquid from the stained area.
2. Pour lukewarm water on the stain to weaken it.
3. Directly spray the detergent on the area.
4. Wash it with cold water.
5. Repeat all the steps until you are satisfied.

Common Questions About Tea Stains

How do you get old tea stains out of carpet?

Tea stains can reappear if your carpet fiber absorbs all the liquid. Although it may have looked clean yesterday, the stains could have risen up to the surface again. To remove these old stains, here are the steps.

1. Use warm water to cover the old tea stains.
2. Blot up all the liquid using a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Continue pressing down the fabric in the area, and make sure that the tea stains all the way at the bottom of the padding transfer to your fabric.
4. Once you dry the area, put warm water on the area again, and continue removing the liquid.
5. If the cloth comes clean and dry after repeatedly blotting it up, but you can still see a stain. Apply a carpet stain remover.
6. Test the stain remover by putting it in an inconspicuous area. Follow the directions on the manual.
7. Rinse it with cold water and dry it up.

 What is the best carpet stain remover?

The best carpet stain remover depends on what kind of fabric you have. One of the best stain removal techniques is using a baking soda paste or white vinegar. Classic stain removers also work well.

Here are a few of the best carpet stain removing tips that you can try:

• Use a light-colored or white cloth when you are cleaning the stains. Colored fabric is not good because you can accidentally pull the dye into the carpet.
• Make sure that you use cold water on stains because warm water set the stains and make it difficult to remove.
• Try using the salt and baking soda techniques from above on the stains.
• If the stain is still present, you can use white vinegar or carpet stain remover.

How do you remove old tea stains?

You can use white vinegar and diluted water to remove old tea stains completely. Make sure that you test the vinegar in an inconspicuous spot before tackling the stain. If your carpet doesn’t handle vinegar well, it could end up bleaching the fabric.

1. Mix the white vinegar into the diluted water. Make sure that you use a 1:1 ratio.
2. Use a sponge to scrub it on the stain gently.
3. Let it rest for five to ten minutes before rinsing.
4. Blot the liquid using a clean white cloth.
5. If it is not compatible, you can experience a bleaching effect on your carpet.

The Bottom Line

You can now enjoy your favorite cup of tea without worrying about the stains you can get if you spill it on your carpet. No matter what kind of cleaning method you use, always do your research and small spot test. Considering the age, nature, and size, of the stain, realizing it will probably require time and effort. But for the love of tea, you can overcome any stain and continue to enjoy your cozy cup on the sofa.