How do I get tea out of an apron or uniform?
Sources last checked
A chai tipped over the counter and down your front.
The short answer
Tea is a plant stain, like coffee. Cool water first. (American Cleaning Institute; University of Georgia Extension)
Do this now
- Rinse the spot with cool water right away. (University of Georgia Extension; American Cleaning Institute)
- Blot it. Never rub it. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
What to use
- Wash it with oxygen bleach, or chlorine bleach if the tag allows. (University of Georgia Extension; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
Before the dryer
- Look at the spot before the dryer. Heat sets it. (American Cleaning Institute; New Mexico State University Extension)
Never do this
- Never put ammonia on tea. It sets the stain. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
When to give up
- Keep it out of the dryer if the stain stays. Some stains do not come out. (American Cleaning Institute; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
Check the care tag first. Test any stain remover on a hidden spot. A stain that sets in the dryer is much harder to move, so look before you dry.
The words of the sources
Each step above, quoted from the page it comes from.
“Sponge or soak stain in cool water.”
“Sponge or rinse stain promptly in cool water.”
“Do not rub as this may roughen the fabric, damage the fibers”
“Work from the inside of the garment or back of the stain”
“Launder using chlorine bleach, if safe for fabric. Otherwise, use oxygen or sodium perborate bleach.”
“Oxygen bleaches are usually safe for all fabrics and colors.”
“Do not put it in the dryer until the stain is removed.”
“Heat sets stains. Do not press a stained fabric or dry it in the dryer.”
“Some stains (for example coffee, tea, and fruits) are set by alkalies such as ammonia”
“not all stains can be removed”
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change and your local health department has the final say. Check with them before you open or change how you work. CleanCleaver is a food safety app, not a laundry authority: follow your garment's care tag.