If you have spilled matcha on your clothes, you may be wondering, “Does matcha stain clothes?” “How to get rid of the stains?” and a lot more. Tea spill mishaps can happen anytime, and yes, matcha does stain your clothes.
The vibrant green hue can leave a stain on clothes, potentially ruining their appearance. But you don’t have to worry, as there are many ways to remove the stains effectively. Read the blog till the end to learn more about matcha and stains, so that you don’t panic over soiling your favorite t-shirt.
How Does Matcha Stain Clothes?
Matcha contains chlorophyll and tannins, which are very powerful and can leave heavy stains on clothes. However, it is important to remember that stains may vary depending on the fabric type and how long it has been left untreated.
Matcha is fine and powdery, which, upon mixing with water, can penetrate deep into the fibers and cling to them harder. Cotton, linen, and other natural fibers are more susceptible to stains, while polyester may be less affected. Here are three factors that cause stains on clothes -
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Chlorophyll, which gives matcha its signature green color, also leads to staining.
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Tannins, which are usually found in tea, absorb into the fabrics, making stain removal challenging.
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Stains are also caused when matcha is mixed with milk or other proteins, which makes cleaning more tough.
At first, the stain seems light, but as it dries, it becomes more prominent and darker. Certain factors that contribute to stains are -
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Weave of the Fabric: If the fabric is loosely woven, it can absorb more stains.
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Temperature: If the matcha is hot, the stain will be more prominent, as warm spills usually penetrate the fabric more quickly and deeply.
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Timing: If you leave the stain unattended, it will spread and set, making it difficult to remove.
How to Remove Matcha Stains From Clothes?
It is advised not to panic and scrub the stains out. Instead, gently blot the stained area with a microfiber cloth, bath towel, or paper towel. Though people are more accustomed to rubbing stains off, it actually spreads them and pushes them deeper. Here, blotting helps, as it absorbs any liquid, no matter the fabric.
If you have matcha stains on your clothes, here’s how to remove the stains -
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Rinse the stained area with cold water immediately to prevent the stain from setting.
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Apply a stain remover to the area and let it sit for a few minutes.
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Wash the cloth as you usually do, and use a laundry detergent with enzymes, as they help break down the stain.
Can DIY Methods Help Remove Matcha Stains?
Cold water is not the only option for removing matcha stains. Here are some DIY methods to remove matcha stains -
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice/Vinegar
You can find these ingredients in your kitchen cabinets, and mixing a combination of alkaline (baking soda) and acid (lemon or vinegar) creates a chemical reaction (fizzy foam) that neutralizes both and makes a powerful cleaning solution. Most homeowners prefer using lemon because of its lingering smell.
You cannot just rinse with vinegar and be done. However, with these tips, you can rinse it and let it dry -
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Before wetting the stained area, place a towel underneath.
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Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stain.
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Then, either squeeze some lemon or pour vinegar onto it.
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Once the foam forms, rinse the mixture and let it dry naturally.
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Lastly, wash the clothes like you usually do.
Baking Soda and Water
Some experts recommend using water, as matcha is naturally acidic. Though putting baking soda on the stain won’t create foam, it will still neutralize it, as it produces carbon dioxide and creates that reaction. Here’s how to use it -
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Mix baking soda and water to make a paste.
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Gently apply the mixture to the stain.
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Allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before washing.
How to Prevent Matcha Stains?
Here are some practical tips that will help prevent matcha stains on the clothes -
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Always wear an apron while making matcha, as it may splash on your clothes.
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Keep a towel or cloth nearby to quickly wipe off splatters or spills.
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Hold the cup firmly when making or drinking matcha, as spills may occur.
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Avoid wearing light-colored clothes, as they show the stains more prominently.
Does Matcha Stain Clothes More Than Other Beverages?
Matcha is made of a rich concentration of tea leaves, which stains your clothes more than other types of teas. So, if you spill matcha on your shirt, you’ll be left with more stains than a normal green tea. Also, if you have spilled or splattered matcha latte on your clothes, you’ll still end up with a stained shirt. This is because a matcha latte contains sugar and milk, which makes the stain hard to remove.
If the stain dries up or you use heat, it can bind to the fabric and set permanently into your shirt. Hence, it is advised to use cold water instead of hot water.
