1. Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils (Fruit & Drink)
This isn't a general cleaner; it is a chemical sniper. While other sprays try to do everything, this powder is formulated solely for fruit, wine, and tea stains. In our test, it removed a 2-day old tea stain completely in just 3 minutes. The active ingredient is a reducing agent that reverses oxidation.
- Specifically targets tannins
- Works in 3 minutes
- Powder formula is stable for years
- Small bottle (expensive per use)
- Not for silk or leather
2. Vanish Oxi Action Gold (White)
The "nuclear option." This oxygen-based bleach creates fizzing bubbles that lift stains out of the weave. It requires a long soak (1-4 hours) to be effective against dried tea, but it restores the brightness of the entire garment. Excellent for removing the yellowing caused by old tea stains.
- Whitens the whole garment
- Chlorine-free (safer for fibers)
- Widely available
- Requires hours of soaking
- Can fade colors if used on non-whites
3. Ecover Stain Remover
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, Ecover uses plant-based enzymes (Protease) to digest protein stains. This makes it excellent for milky tea stains where the fat has bonded to the fabric. It features a built-in brush head which allows you to mechanically scrub the liquid deep into the fibers.
- Built-in scrub brush
- Biodegradable & Septic safe
- Great for protein (milk) stains
- Brush can be too abrasive for wool
- Not as fast as chemical bleaches
4. Ace Gentle Stain Remover
Finally, a product you can use on your colorful wool sweater. Ace Gentle is Woolmark approved. It uses hydrogen peroxide (the same stuff used in antiseptics) suspended in a gentle liquid to lift the tannin color without stripping the fabric dye. It isn't as fast as Dr. Beckmann, but it is the safest option for delicate or colored garments.
- Woolmark Approved (Safe for wool)
- Safe for colors
- Can be used in-wash
- Weaker on very dark tannins
5. Astonish Fabric Stain Remover
At roughly £2.40 a bottle, this is the bargain hunter's choice. It's a spray-and-go solution. While it struggled with the 24-hour dried tea stain in our test, it was excellent on fresh spills. Keep a bottle in the cupboard for immediate emergencies.
- Incredible value
- Cruelty-free & Vegan
- Easy spray application
- Struggles with old, set-in stains
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The Master Table: Find Your Stain
Select your stain below to jump to the dedicated guide.
| 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 → |
| Carpet / Rugs | Liquid soaking into pile/backing. | Blotting + Baking Soda. | Emergency Carpet Guide → | Best Carpet Cleaners → |
| 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 → |