1. Dr. Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover
This is the gold standard for a reason. The bottle comes with a built-in brush head that allows you to work the solution deep into the fibers where the tea settles. In our test, it removed a dried Earl Grey stain from a synthetic rug in under 5 minutes. It's tough on stains but gentle enough for most carpets.
Pros
- Built-in brush is a game changer
- Works on dried stains
- Pleasant scent (neutralizes milk odors)
Cons
- Not suitable for velvet/silk rugs
2. Vanish Gold Oxi Action Spray
If you dropped a whole mug, grab this. The spray nozzle covers a wide area quickly. It creates a thick foam that stops the tea from spreading further. It worked brilliantly on fresh spills, lifting the liquid out of the weave before it could set. It was slightly less effective on week-old stains than the Dr. Beckmann.
Pros
- Fast application for big spills
- Safe for wool (Woolmark approved)
- Lifts stain to surface
Cons
- Can leave a sticky residue if not rinsed
3. 1001 Troubleshooter
At roughly £4, this is the budget king. It creates a dense foam that you let dry and then vacuum up. While it struggled with the dark pigment of a black tea stain, it was actually excellent at removing the "greasy" residue left by milky tea. A great backup to keep under the sink.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Good for milky tea stains
- Wool safe
Cons
- Strong chemical smell
- Requires waiting for foam to dry
4. Bissell Spot & Stain Formula
If you own a carpet cleaner machine (like a Vax or Bissell), this is the liquid to use. Hand sprays clean the top of the fiber; this cleans the base. It removed a very old, dark tea stain that we thought was permanent. It's expensive because you need the machine, but the results are professional grade.
Pros
- Professional grade cleaning
- Removes "wicking" (reappearing stains)
- Low foam
Cons
- Requires a machine
- Pricey
5. Ecozone Carpet Shampoo
If you have pets or toddlers crawling on the rug, you might want to avoid harsh chemicals. Ecozone is gentle and biodegradable. It required two applications to fully lift the tea stain in our test, but it eventually did the job without leaving any toxic residue or strong smells.
Pros
- Non-toxic & Vegan
- Safe for pets
- Gentle on delicate fibers
Cons
- Requires multiple applications
- Slower drying
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The Master Table: Find Your Stain
Select your stain below to jump to the dedicated guide.
Earl Grey vacuum| Surface | The Problem | The Fix | Read Guide | Top Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stain Removal Guide | Binding to specific surfaces | Read to know more. | Prevent Tea Stains → | Find your specific product in the reviews below → |
| Clothes / Fabric | Tannins dyeing the fiber. | Cold water flush + Vinegar. | How to Save Your Shirt → | Best Laundry Stain Removers → |
| Mugs / Teapots | Polymerization on glaze. | Baking Soda Paste (Abrasive). | Restore Your Mugs → | Best Cleaning Tablets → |
| Teeth | Binding to enamel protein. | Water Swish + Casein (Milk). | Prevent Teeth Stains → | Best Toothpastes → |