How to Get Tea Stains Out Of a Carpet
Discover methods to get tea stains out of a carpet.
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
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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.
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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.
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Apply Stain Remover
Apply a carpet stain remover according to the directions.
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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.
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.