Stain Removal: Tea

Loosen a dried tea stain on a blanket by soaking in a mixture of one part glycerine and two parts water. After 20 mins wash as usual. Remove a fresh tea stain by soaking in warm water and borax.

On washable material: cold rinse, then soak overnight in biological washing powder; wash. If not removed, sponge with a solution of 1 tablespoon borax/1 pint water, then wash. Alternatively, apply glycerine and leave for one hour, soak or wash in a heavy-duty detergent containing oxygen bleach; if the stain remains, treat with hydrogen peroxide. On non-washable material, sponge with solution of 1oz borax/1 pint water, then sponge with clean water, and then dab dry with kitchen paper towel.

On carpet: Blot up as thoroughly as possible and treat with carpet shampoo. See also Milk.

To remove tea or coffee stains from fine china rub with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda.

See also Tannin.