Tea stains are a type of tannin stain that build up over time, causing discoloration and a residue that can alter the flavor of future cups of tea. When tea stains build up in teacups, they should be removed to ensure a flavorful cup of tea. Common household substances will successfully remove stains from your porcelain or china teacups.
Step One
Rinse the inside of the teacup to wet the surface. Dampen a clean cloth and wring out the excess water.
Step Two
Sprinkle baking soda on the damp cloth. Scrub the stains on the inside of the teacup. Baking soda is a very mild abrasive, a natural stain remover and is safe for cleaning materials commonly used for teacups.
Step Three
Rinse the tea ups thoroughly to make sure no baking soda residue is left behind.
Step Four
Mix 2 cups of warm water and 1 1/2 tbsp. of bleach in a bowl or dishpan. Soak the teacups in the diluted bleach solution to remove any remaining tea stains. Allow the cups to soak for one or two minutes before rinsing with plain water.
Step Five
Fill the dishpan with warm water and a squirt of mild dishwashing liquid. Wash the teacups to remove all traces of the cleaning agents. Dry the tea cups with a clean towel before storing away.