At Char, we understand better than most that tea is one of life's great comforts, but we also know that a love of tannins comes with a fair bit of maintenance and panic-googling! Fear not, tea lovers, for we have done the leg-work for you - be it a spill on your favourite shirt or a stubborn buildup in your cherished mug, we've been there. Here are our tried and true methods to banish those pesky tea stains.

Clothes and Fabric

The key to fabric stains is to act quickly and resist the urge to use hot water!

While it's tempting to use hot water, applying heat to a fresh tea stain on fabric can actually set the stain, making it much harder to remove, so always use cold or cool water for the initial rinse.

Rinse Immediately

If the stain is fresh, immediately rinse the back of the fabric with COLD WATER. This pushes the stain out rather than further into the weave.

Then you choose a method from the following to get the stain out:

The Vinegar Soak

For older or more stubborn fabric stains, mix one part white vinegar with three parts cold water. Leave the stain to soak for about half an hour, then rinse and wash as usual. 

Detergent and Dab

Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or stain remover directly onto the stain. Gently dab (do not rub!) the area with a clean cloth, then wash in the warmest water appropriate for the fabric.

Bleach (Caution!)

For white or colourfast fabrics, a solution of diluted oxygen-based bleach can often remove the last trace of the stain. Test on an inconspicuous area first, and try only to use this as a last resort as it may damage the fabric. 

Mugs, Cups, and Teapots

Tea tannins cling to ceramic and porcelain surfaces, creating dark rings. When you start to forget what the inside of your favourite mug looked like, you start to wonder if you're drinking too much tea.

And we can't have that, can we?

The Salt and Ice Scrub

This is quick and easy! Put a tablespoon of table salt and a handful of crushed ice into the stained mug. Swish it around vigorously. The ice provides friction, and the salt acts as a gentle abrasive. Rinse clean.

Baking Soda Paste

Make a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with a few drops of water. Apply the paste to the stained area with a sponge or cloth and scrub gently. The baking soda is a powerful, non-scratch abrasive.

Vinegar Soak

For heavy duty stains

Fill the mug or teapot with equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Let it soak for an hour or even overnight. The acid in the vinegar will break down the tannins. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Keep these simple tips in your cleaning arsenal, and don't let worry stop you from exploring our range of high quality black teas.