How to clean an old teapot that has turned yellow using just 1 additional kitchen ingredient

foto: Facebook/Fitri Rahmawati

Luckily, there's a simple yet effective way to restore your teapot's cleanliness without having to scrub too hard.

Brilio.net - Teapots that are often used to brew tea will eventually change color to yellow-brown. This layer of stains is formed due to tannin deposits in the tea that stick and are difficult to remove just by washing normally. If left alone, these stains will become thicker and make the teapot look dull and less hygienic.

Luckily, there is a simple yet effective way to restore the cleanliness of the kettle without having to scrub too hard. By adding a little vinegar to the dish soap when washing, even stubborn stains can be dissolved more easily. This method has been tried by many social media users, one of which is the Facebook account Fitri Rahmawati who shared her tips.

"We wash it as usual, but add vinegar. Good luck!" said the Facebook account owner.

How to clean an old teapot that has turned yellow from tea
photo: Facebook/Fitri Rahmawati

How to clean an old teapot that has turned yellow from tea
photo: Facebook/Fitri Rahmawati

Based on inspiration from the Facebook account Fitri Rahmawati who used additional kitchen vinegar to wash a yellowed teapot, here is how to clean tea stains on a teapot which is also summarized from several other sources.

Material:
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing soap
- 500 ml hot water
- 1 sponge or soft brush
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (optional, for more stubborn stains)

How to Clean a Yellowed Teapot Due to Tea:

1. Fill the kettle with hot water.

Pour about 500 ml of hot water into the teapot to loosen any tea stains.

2. Add white vinegar

Put 2 tablespoons of vinegar into the kettle, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the vinegar to work to dissolve the dirt.

3. Mix in dishwashing soap

After soaking, add 1 tablespoon of dish soap to the kettle.

4. Scrub with a sponge or soft brush

Gently scrub the inside of the teapot with a sponge or soft-bristled brush to remove tea stains.

5. Rinse with clean water

Once the stain is gone, rinse the kettle with clean water until there is no soap or vinegar residue left.

6. Use baking soda for stubborn stains (optional)

If the stain is still difficult to remove, sprinkle a little baking soda into the teapot, then scrub again with a damp sponge.

7. Dry with a clean cloth

Wipe the kettle completely dry before using it again.

White vinegar contains acetic acid that can dissolve tannin stains on tea. In addition, vinegar also has antibacterial properties that help clean the surface of the teapot from germs and unpleasant odors. The combination of vinegar with dish soap provides a more maximum cleaning effect than just using water and regular soap.

- Don't let tea stains build up for too long. It's best to wash the teapot immediately after use so the stains don't harden and become harder to clean.
- Use hot water when washing. Hot water helps dissolve tea residue and makes cleaning easier.
- Clean regularly. Cleaning the kettle with vinegar at least once a week will keep it looking shiny and free of stubborn stains.
- Avoid using rough sponges or scouring pads. Rough materials can damage the surface of the kettle, especially if the kettle is made of ceramic or glass.

(brl/tin)