Tea stains are mainly tannins that cling to tiny textures on glaze or glass. The gentle, reliable fix is twofold: use an alkaline lift (baking soda) for the brown ring, and a short acidic soak (citric acid or lemon) for mineral haze—adjusted to the cup’s material.

What You’ll Need (and quick safety)

• Baking soda — mild alkaline cleaner for tannin stains
• Citric acid (or lemon) — dissolves mineral haze
• Mild dish soap & soft sponge/cloth
• Optional: Hydrogen peroxide 3% — spot treatment only
• Never mix chemicals. Rinse before switching products. Gold rims/hand-painting: hand wash only; no dishwasher; no long acidic soaks.

The 90-Second Daily Clean

1. Rinse right after tea. Prevents tannins from setting.
2. Wash with a drop of mild soap and a soft sponge.
3. Rinse well and air-dry upright on a rack.

Small habits protect the glaze and keep flavor pure.

The 5-Minute Weekly Refresh

1. Alkaline lift: Make a baking-soda paste (1 tsp + a little water).
2. Massage gently on the interior for 30–45 seconds.
3. Rinse. If a faint ring or haze remains, do a short citric-acid soak (1 tsp in a cup of warm water, 2–3 minutes).
4. Rinse again and let the cup dry fully.

Tip: For narrow cups, use a soft bottle brush. Avoid gritty powders and wire pads.

Stain Removal by Material

Porcelain & Bone China

• Start: Baking-soda paste with a soft sponge.
• If needed: 2–3 minute citric-acid soak—keep it short.
• Decor & gilding: Hand wash only. No dishwasher, no microwave, no prolonged soaks.

Ceramic & Stoneware (including matte/rough glazes)

• Safe path: Baking-soda paste + very light pressure.
• Avoid: Abrasives or hard scrubbers that burnish or scratch matte textures.

Glass

• Best: 5–10 minute citric-acid soak to dissolve mineral haze.
• Then: Quick baking-soda wipe, rinse well.

Stainless & Enamel

• Prefer: Alkaline cleaning (baking soda).
• Avoid: Chlorine bleach and strong acids (can pit or dull).
• Optional: Short oxygen-cleaner soak for stainless; rinse thoroughly.

When Stains Persist (Deep-Clean Options)

1. Hydrogen peroxide 3% (spot only): Dab for 1–2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
2. Melamine sponge: Light pressure, glossy glazes only; test a hidden spot first.
3. Oxygen cleaner (percarbonate): 1 tsp in warm water, 10–15 minutes; rinse until no slick feel remains.

Drying, Storage & Smell Control

• Air-dry fully; trapped moisture causes a dull film or odor.
• Odor fix: 1 tsp baking soda in warm water for 10 minutes, then rinse.
• Store upright with a little space between cups to protect rims and allow airflow.

Quick Troubleshooting

• Grey film after washing: Mineral + tannin; do a short citric-acid soak, rinse.
• Metallic taste: Residual cleaner—rinse longer and air-dry.
• Stain returns fast: Rinse the cup immediately after tea; do the weekly refresh.
• Matte glaze getting shiny: You’re over-scrubbing. Use a softer cloth and lighter touch.

Short FAQ

Is vinegar okay?

In short soaks, yes for glass/most glazes; avoid long soaks on matte or decorated cups.

Will baking soda scratch?

It’s mild—use a soft sponge and gentle pressure.

Bleach for tea cups?

Not recommended for stainless/enamel; never mix bleach with acids.

How often to deep-clean?

When a ring appears—or monthly if you drink tea daily.

Can I microwave cleaning liquids?

Don’t heat chemicals. Warm water is enough.

Gold rims?

Hand wash only; no dishwasher, microwave, or long acidic soaks.