This 16p cleaning hack will banish stubborn tea stains in minutes
It will come as no surprise that Scots love a cup of tea. It's believed a typical Scottish person drinks around four cups per day.
However, there’s nothing worse than settling down for a comforting cuppa only to be met with the sight of stubborn brown stains clinging to your favourite mug.
No matter how often you wash it, those tannin marks from countless brews refuse to budge. The tannic acid is what gives the beloved beverage its dark, brown colour and is a strong dye that is potent enough to leave marks on your favourite mug.
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No matter how often you wash it, those tannin marks from countless brews refuse to budge.
If left unchecked, these stains can even trap bacteria, making it more important than ever to keep your mugs fresh.
Lottomart has outlined a straightforward, natural solution that will help you get your mug pristine in just 10 minutes.
You’ll need half a lemon, which costs around 15p, and two teaspoons (about 10g), which costs approximately 1p. Be sure to grab a sponge or cloth for a little scrub, too.
To begin, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly into the stained mug.
Next, sprinkle two teaspoons of salt over the lemon juice and gently scrub the stained areas with a sponge or cloth, paying extra attention to stubborn spots and ensuring the affected areas are well-coated.
The natural acidity of the lemon helps break down the tannins causing the stains, while the salt’s mild abrasiveness lifts the marks without scratching your mug.
Afterwards, fill the remainder of the mug with hot water and allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, giving it time to work on tough stains. Once the time is up, rinse your mug thoroughly to reveal a refreshed, gleaming cup.
A spokesperson for Lottomart added: “The combination of lemon juice and salt makes for an ideal stain remover.
“The method is chemical-free, cost-effective, and highly efficient - perfect for keeping your mugs in tip-top condition.”