Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, known as the Queen of Clean, has shared a simple trick for removing stubborn stains from dirty dishes that does not involve washing up liquid. Instead, she recommends using a used teabag.
The power of tannins
Speaking to Yours magazine, Crombie explained: "Rather than use washing up liquid to clean a dirty baking dish, fill it up with water and add a used teabag, leaving it to soak. The ingredient, tannin, will lift all the stains."
To apply the hack, fill the dirty baking dish with water and place a used teabag in it while you eat. The tannins break down grease, grime, and stuck-on food residue. In a previous Instagram video, she said: "Tea has been used for cleaning for centuries, thanks to the power of tannins. TRUST me, this simple trick really works."
Not a substitute for washing up liquid
While used teabags help lift baked-on residue, they are not a substitute for washing up liquid when it comes to removing bacteria or thoroughly cleaning greasy cookware. The method is best for tackling tough stains before a proper wash.
Other cleaning tips from Lynsey Crombie
Crombie also revealed that mayonnaise can remove rings from wooden coffee tables. "The oil in mayonnaise is great on wood, so use it to remove rings on coffee tables," she told Yours magazine. Additionally, she recommends using leftover lemon halves in dishwater to add a nice smell and sparkle to dishes, and for descaling.
For stains on clothes, such as ketchup, tea, or coffee, Crombie advised using cold water, not hot, as hot water sets the stain. During an appearance on This Morning, she demonstrated: "Don't use hot water, everybody always goes straight to the hot water tap or soak it in hot water. Instead go for cold water." She added: "It's like cooking the stain, particularly cooking stains like grease. You're cooking it further into the fabric so always go for your cold water."
She then instructed: "So tea and coffee in particular, the way I would use it is I would dampen that [the clothing item] with cold water first of all and then just literally apply as much [washing up liquid] as you want. It's one of the best things for that quick fix, so just rub it in with your fingers, pop that straight into the washing machine and that [the stain] will come out clean."
