Shine Clean: How to Get Rid of Tea Plaque on Cups and Thermos

The tannins in the tea are the reason for the plaque on the cup. When these ingredients react with warm water, a film is formed which, when the cup is tilted, settles on the walls.

Is tea plaque dangerous – doctors’ answer

The film of tannins and water remains on the cup, and if it is not washed immediately, over time, the plaque will become darker and harder. The longer you ignore its presence, the harder it will be to get rid of it.

In fact, the tannins in the tea are not harmful, on the contrary, they are healthy. Doctors say that the regular consumption of tea helps people to get rid of toxins, to strengthen blood vessels, and to improve mood. In addition, tannins have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

How to clean the plaque from the tea in a metal thermos or cup-tips

The fact that tea and the substances contained in it are useful, not harmful, does not mean that mugs and thermoses can not be washed for weeks and months. Such buildup spoils the appearance of the dishes and changes the taste of freshly brewed tea.

To quickly wash a cup or a thermos, you can use folk remedies:

  • baking soda – 1 tbsp dilute water to a pulp, rub the container with the plaque with it, then wash with clean water;
  • citric acid – pour 1 tsp. in a dish, pour boiling water, wait 2-3 minutes, then wash the cup;
  • vinegar – dilute 1 tbsp of vinegar in 200 ml of water, pour the solution into a cup, leave it for 5 minutes, and wash it with a detergent;
  • salt – rub the product finely grind the cups, and then rinse with water.

As an alternative, you can also use a slice of lemon – if you rub it on the container, which is covered with dark plaque, and leave it for 5 minutes, then, rinse such a cup with warm water, you will see that it became much cleaner.

If you want to prevent the appearance of tea plaque on mugs or thermos, do not leave dirty dishes, and wash them immediately. Moreover, do not pour tea or coffee in such containers repeatedly – the next layer of plaque will be even thicker, and it will be harder to clean it.

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Written by Emma Miller

I am a registered dietitian nutritionist and own a private nutrition practice, where I provide one-on-one nutritional counseling to patients. I specialize in chronic disease prevention/ management, vegan/ vegetarian nutrition, pre-natal/ postpartum nutrition, wellness coaching, medical nutrition therapy, and weight management.

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