7 Ways to Remove Tea Stains from Carpet

There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a hot cuppa — whether it’s black, green, or herbal, we Irish do love our tea. But that same comforting brew can turn on you fast when it ends up splashed across the carpet instead of in your mug.

Don’t panic — tea stains might look fierce, but with a bit of patience and some everyday household products, you can get your carpet looking spotless again.

Why Tea Leaves Stubborn Stains

The reason tea stains are so tricky is because of a natural compound called tannins. These are the same pigments that give tea its rich colour (and your mouth that dry feeling after a strong brew). Once they soak into carpet fibres, they hold on tight — so the quicker you act, the better your chances.

1. Blot First – Always

No matter what you use to treat the stain, the golden rule is: don’t rub, blot.
Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the spill as you can. Rubbing will only push the stain deeper into the fibres.

2. Baking Soda Magic

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl of baking soda

• A damp cloth

• Cold water

How to do it:

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly over the stained area.

2. Gently press it in using a damp cloth.

3. Leave it for 15–20 minutes to draw out the stain.

4. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

Baking soda helps lift colour pigments and neutralises any odour at the same time.

3. Salt and Club Soda Trick

What you’ll need:

• A handful of table salt

• A splash of club soda

How to do it:

1. Blot away excess tea.

2. Cover the stain with salt.

3. Pour a little club soda on top — just enough to dampen it.

4. Wait 10 minutes, then blot again and rinse with water.

This old-school method works brilliantly for fresh spills.

4. White Vinegar Solution

What you’ll need:

• 1 part white vinegar

• 2 parts warm water

• A spray bottle

• A microfibre cloth

How to do it:

1. Mix the vinegar and water in the spray bottle.

2. Spray it directly on the stain.

3. Gently dab with the cloth until the mark fades.

4. Finish with a clean rinse of cold water.

Vinegar breaks down tannins naturally, leaving your carpet fresh and residue-free.

5. Gentle Dish Soap Cleaner

What you’ll need:

• A teaspoon of mild dish soap

• 2 cups of warm water

• A sponge or cloth

How to do it:

1. Mix soap and water in a bowl.

2. Dip a cloth into the solution and blot the stain.

3. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

This one’s ideal for delicate carpets or when you don’t want to risk strong chemicals.

6. Borax Paste (For Old or Set-In Stains)

What you’ll need:

• 3 parts borax

• 1 part warm water

• A toothbrush

How to do it:

1. Stir the mixture into a paste.

2. Apply gently over the stain and scrub with the toothbrush.

3. Let it dry completely, then vacuum up the residue.

Borax works wonders on older, stubborn marks that have had time to settle.

7. Commercial Carpet Stain Remover

If none of the DIY options do the trick, try a professional-grade carpet cleaner. Just make sure it’s safe for your carpet type — always spot-test in an inconspicuous corner first. Follow the instructions on the bottle and never oversaturate the area.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, a stain just won’t budge. That’s when it’s time to call in a local professional carpet cleaner. They use hot water extraction or dry cleaning methods that lift deep-set stains without damaging your flooring.

If you’re based in Ireland, book a reliable service near you — it’ll save you time and keep your carpet fresh, soft, and spotless.

Key Takeaways

• Act fast — the quicker you blot, the better.

• Use gentle, natural products first.

• Always test a small patch before applying anything new.

• When in doubt, call a professional cleaner.