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Tea stains can be stubborn to remove from stainless steel surfaces, but there are several effective methods you can try. One option is to create a paste using baking soda and water, and gently scrub the stained area with a soft cloth or sponge. Another method is to soak a cloth in white vinegar and place it on the stain for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Lemon juice can also be effective in removing tea stains, simply apply it to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water can also help prevent tea stains from forming.
If your stainless steel decanter has tea stains on it, a regular soapy soak won’t be enough to remove them. Here are a few methods to clean and restore the shine of your stained stainless steel item without causing any damage.
What Causes Tea Stains?
The color of tea comes from tannin, or tannic acid, which is also responsible for leaving behind brown stains on kitchen cookware, including stainless steel. Over time, these stains can build up and become difficult to remove.
Tannins are commonly used for dying cotton, tanning leather, and making ink. Their presence in tea makes it hard to scrub off once it has set on a stainless steel surface.
Materials You’ll Need
To make the cleaning process quick and easy, gather a variety of sponges, scrubbers, and soft towels. Be cautious when using abrasive sponges on surfaces that can get scratched. A long-handled soft nylon brush is ideal for cleaning metal or plastic without causing damage. For narrow openings, use a pair of tongs and a scouring sponge to reach deep into crevices.
Ensure that you work around areas and materials that may react negatively to vinegar, bleach, lemon juice, or other cleaners you are using. These substances can harm stone countertops and other surfaces.
Using Vinegar to Remove Stains
Vinegar is a popular and safe choice for removing tea stains. Start by washing the stained item with mild detergent and warm water. Then, pour a 1/4 cup of baking soda into the item and slowly fill it halfway with white distilled vinegar. Add hot water to fill the item to the top, and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it out. Be prepared for the mixture to bubble over and have dry cloths on hand to clean up any spills. Make sure to use vinegar over a surface that won’t be affected by it, as it can etch granite and other countertop surfaces.
Using Bleach to Remove Stains
Bleach is a strong household cleaner that is highly effective in removing tea stains. To clean a stainless steel coffee mug with bleach, you can soak it in a warm water and bleach solution.
Before putting a coffee mug in a bleach bath, it is important to test it first. Bleach is a strong cleaning agent that can damage the cup by stripping away finishes, paints, patterns, and even creating a hole in stainless steel. Therefore, caution should be taken when using bleach for cleaning.
Using Household Powders to Clean Tea Stains
There are several powders that can be used to clean tea stains. Baking soda or cornstarch, when combined with some elbow grease, can effectively remove stains and polish stainless steel.
If using baking soda, sprinkle it onto the tea-stained area and then rub it in with a damp non-scratch pad or terry cloth until the stain is dulled or completely removed. Rinse off and repeat if necessary.
If using cornstarch, make a paste by mixing 1 part cornstarch with half vinegar. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 15 minutes. For tougher stains, leave the cornstarch paste on for an hour or longer.
Using Lemon to Remove Tea Stains
Lemon, with its citric acid and essential oils, is a natural cleaner and polisher for stainless steel items in the kitchen. There are different ways to use lemon to remove tea stains.
Since lemon is acidic, it is important to test it first on delicate metals or materials. Lemon’s citric acid helps loosen the tannins on the surface of stainless steel. Any of the lemon cleaning techniques can be repeated without causing harm to the stainless steel item.
One method is to cut a lemon in half and rub the open side onto the tea stain. Alternatively, sprinkle salt on the cut side of the lemon and use it to scrub deep into the grooves of the stainless steel and remove stubborn tea stains.
Another option is to create a paste by mixing liquid dish soap with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Use a cut lemon half as a scrubber to enhance the cleaning power of the paste when removing stubborn tea stains from stainless steel.
Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel
When using commercial or harsh chemicals on stainless steel, it is important to always test a small area to ensure compatibility with the cleaning product and technique chosen.
To avoid scratching the surface, always rub in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel item.
Avoid using commercial cleaners if possible, as they may quickly remove tea stains but could potentially damage or further discolor the stainless steel surface.
Maintaining a Tea Pot Free of Stains
To prevent spending hours removing stains and restoring the shine of a tea pot or cup, there are a few measures that can be taken to keep the item clean after it has been restored to its original state.
To maintain the stainless steel item’s pristine condition and optimal performance, it is recommended to regularly remove tea stains. A simple wipe with a damp cloth after each use will prevent the carafe from being stained by the tea, ensuring it remains in its top shining state.
