Banish tea stains: Simple kitchen remedies for spotless mugs
Tea stains in our favourite mugs are a common problem, and their removal can sometimes be quite difficult. How can you remove tea residue without scrubbing? Use this simple trick.
Everyone has seen tea residue at the bottom of their favourite mug. This brownish deposit, though harmless, is persistent, and regular washing in the dishwasher often isn't enough. The residue forms due to chemical reactions between substances in tea and minerals in hard water.
How to remove residue from mugs?
One of the most recommended ways to get rid of tea stains is to use bicarbonate of soda. This versatile substance, found in practically every kitchen, has abrasive and cleaning properties. Just mix a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with a little water to make a thick paste, then apply it to the stained surface. After a few minutes, simply rinse the mug with warm water.
Using vinegar is another equally effective option. Known for its cleaning properties, it handles stubborn stains very well. Simply pour some into the mug, add a pinch of salt, and leave it for a few minutes. After this time, pour out the solution and wash the mug.
Although bicarbonate of soda and vinegar are the most recommended methods, there are other ways worth trying. One of them is to use lemon juice. Thanks to its bleaching properties, lemon juice can effectively remove stains. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the dirty mug, fill it with warm water, and leave it for an hour. After this time, wash the mug.
Another effective method is using salt. Salt acts as a gentle abrasive and can be used for manual cleaning of mugs. Simply sprinkle a little onto a damp sponge and rub the stains. You can combine it with lemon juice for even better results, which will further enhance the cleaning effect.
The last suggestion is to clean the mug with baking powder. Like the bicarbonate of soda, mix it with a little water to form a thick paste. Then, rub the stained mug with it.
How to prevent tea stains from forming?
To prevent stains from reforming, it is recommended to wash dishes regularly right after consuming the drink. The shorter the residue's contact time with the dish, the easier it will be to remove. Avoid leaving drink remnants in mugs for a long time.
It is also worth considering using water with lower hardness, as the presence of calcium in hard water contributes to the formation of residues. It's advisable to filter the water before using it, which will reduce the risk of deposits forming.
