Remove Stains from Tea Cups Using Baking Soda

You can tell you're an avid tea drinker when all your ceramic cups have a light brown stain at the bottom. Drinking tea and coffee in cups results in a residue build-up over time. There's no need to use harsh chemicals to remove the stains, though. A simple baking soda paste will do the trick just as effectively.

Steps

  1. Wash the cup as usual. This will get rid of any extra gunk that can be taken off with regular soapy water. Start with cups that are as clean as possible.[1]
  2. Dampen the cup. If your cup isn't already wet, dampen it with some hot water. It's easier to remove the stain when there is little moisture present for the baking soda to cling to.[2]
  3. Sprinkle baking soda into the cup. Half a teaspoon or so should do the trick. You only need enough to make a light paste.
  4. Rub the stain with a soft cloth. A paste-like film should form as you rub over the dampened cup. Concentrate on places where the stain is darkest.
  5. Check the stain and continue rubbing. Put some effort into rubbing directly over the stained areas of the cup. Continue doing this until the stain lifts. You may need to turn the cup around as you are scrubbing, to ensure that you reach all areas of the stain.[3]
  6. Rinse out the cup. Remove the baking soda residue from the cup with warm water. Check that you have removed the entire stain. If it's gone, turn the cup upside down and leave to air dry before returning to its usual storage spot.
  7. Repeat if necessary. If you still see remnants of the stain after a good scrubbing, repeat the process with more baking soda. It will usually come off after an extra treatment or two.

Tips

  • You can also soak the stained item in white vinegar. That will remove tea and coffee stains as well as hard water deposits.
  • Salt can be used in place of baking soda if wished.
  • Dental cleaner works well also.

Things You'll Need

  • Baking soda
  • Soft cleaning cloth

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-remove-old-coffee-stains-from-mugs-carafes-tips-from-the-kitchn-200957
  2. ↑ http://www.rd.com/slideshows/how-to-remove-coffee-stains/#slideshow=slide5
  3. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-coffee-tea-stains-in-cup/
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