How to Get Tea Stains Out Of a Carpet

Discover methods to get tea stains out of a carpet.

How to Remove Tea Stains From Carpet

The Spruce / Hilary Allison

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 mins - 20 hrs
  • Total Time: 20 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10

You can get tough tea stains out of a carpet with some tried and true methods. Whether you are enjoying a steaming cup of hot tea or a frosty glass of iced tea, spills do happen. Teas are loaded with tannins, natural astringent compounds that can stain fabric, upholstery, fine china, and even teeth.

Removing tea stains is a fairly simple process involving dilution with water and a strong stain remover or simple household agents such as baking soda and vinegar. Acting fast will greatly improve your chances of completely getting the stain out of your carpet.

 Stain Type  Tannin-based
 Detergent Type  Carpet stain remover
 Water Temperature  Cold

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Vacuum
  • Sponge (optional)

Materials

  • Clean, white cloths
  • Carpet stain remover
  • White vinegar (optional)
  • Baking soda (optional)
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions

How to Remove Tea Stains From Carpet Using Stain Remover

  1. Blot To Soak up the Stain

    Blot up as much of the tea stain as possible using a clean white cloth. Continue to blot until no more liquid is transferred onto the cloth and the area seems almost dry.

    Tip

    Do not rub the tea spot; this will just move the liquid around and increase the surface area of the stain. Pressing down will make sure that any liquid in the carpet padding will soak into the cloth instead.

    Tea stain blotted with white cloth

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Rinse To Dilute the Stain

    Pour a small amount of water onto the stained area and continue blotting up the liquid. This dilutes the remaining tea a little bit, but you will still be able to soak it up with a clean cloth.

    Repeat until the cloth repeatedly appears clean after blotting and the area feels almost dry to the touch.

  3. Apply Stain Remover

    Apply a carpet stain remover according to the directions.

    Tip

    Always test carpet stain remover on a hidden spot of carpet first, like under furniture or in an out-of-the-way corner of the room. Ensure that the stain remover will not strip the color of your carpet or rug before using it in a conspicuous area.

  4. Air Dry and Vacuum

    Allow the stained area to air dry. If you are satisfied with your results, vacuum the area to lift the carpet fibers and diminish any trace of the stain removal process.

Natural Cleaners to Get Tea Stains Out Of a Carpet

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective natural cleaning agents found around the home. Sponge a solution of white vinegar diluted with water (one part vinegar to one part water) onto the stain. Allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and blot up the liquid with a clean white cloth until almost dry. Allow the spot to air dry and then vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.

Tip

Depending on your carpet fibers, white vinegar can have a bleaching effect that cannot be undone. Be sure to test the vinegar in a hidden spot of the carpet, just as you would with a commercial stain remover.

Salt

Salt is a simple and inexpensive method to remove tea stains. Simply pour a significant amount of salt to cover the stain. It will start to absorb the liquid that remains after initial rinsing. You can also add club soda or any type of carbonated water to help lift the stain from the fibers. Be careful not to oversaturate. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry followed by vacuuming.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be useful in removing tea stains from carpet. Simply pour one cup of baking soda into a bowl. Dampen a cloth and use it to apply the baking soda over the stain. Rinse with cold water. You can repeat these steps as many times as necessary until the stain is gone. Allow to air dry and vacuum to fluff up the carpet fibers.

Additional Tips for Handling Tea Stains

It is critical to act quickly when trying to remove spilled tea from a carpet—especially a white or light-colored carpet. Tea can leave dark brown or red marks that will be much harder to eliminate once the spill dries.

If by chance you are faced with a dry tea stain, begin to treat by repeatedly rinsing and blotting with cold water. The stain may not completely disappear, even with repeated efforts and the best stain removers, but it may fade a bit and become less obvious.

Tea stains can reappear on a carpet if the liquid deeply penetrates the carpet backing or padding. If this happens, check the padding first. If the stains there are particularly bad, consider changing just the padding, which is a much cheaper solution than replacing the whole carpet.

When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner

Note that these tips for removing tea stains may not completely get rid of a very stubborn stain from your carpet. If this is the case, seek out a professional carpet cleaner. The liquid may have penetrated deep into the long carper fibers and require a professional service.



Tea stain revealed on flipped over carpet backing

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska