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Do Dishwashing Tablets remove tea stains?Updated 13 days ago

TL;DR: Yes, with two products. Dishwashing Tabs handle food and grease in the wash cycle. Tea and coffee tannins cling to ceramic and need a different lift, that's where Universal Cleaner shines. Wipe stained mugs with Universal Cleaner first, then dishwash with Dishwashing Tabs. The Universal Cleaner + Double Dish Tabs refill kit pairs both in one box.


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Koh Universal Cleaner and Double Dish Tabs refill kit
Koh Universal Cleaner solving tea and coffee stains

Why don't Dishwashing Tabs remove tea stains on their own?

Tea and coffee tannins cling tightly to ceramic and porcelain, much tighter than typical food residue. Koh Dishwashing Tabs are built to lift food and grease in the wash cycle, which is what most dishwashing actually needs to do well. Tannin stains call for a different approach: applying a cleaner directly to the stain with a wipe or scrub before washing. Koh Universal Cleaner is the better tool for that step, then Dishwashing Tabs finish the job in the wash.

✓ Two products, two jobs

Tea and coffee tannins cling tightly to ceramic and porcelain, tighter than typical food residue. Dishwashing Tabs lift food and grease in the wash cycle, the everyday cleaning most dishwashers actually need. For stained mugs, the right move is to lift the stain directly with Universal Cleaner first, then run a normal wash with Dishwashing Tabs.

Tannins cling tight Lift first, wash second

How do I clean tea-stained mugs?

Two steps. First, lift the stain: apply Koh Universal Cleaner directly to the stained area inside the mug, wipe or gently scrub, then rinse thoroughly with water. Second, wash in the dishwasher: place the mug in your dishwasher with a Koh Dishwashing Tab and run a normal cycle. Universal Cleaner handles the tannins, Dishwashing Tabs make sure the mug is fully clean and safe to drink from.

✓ Step 1: Lift the stain

1

Apply Universal Cleaner directly to the stained area inside the mug.

2

Wipe or gently scrub with a sponge or microfibre.

3

Rinse thoroughly with water.

✓ Step 2: Wash and finish

1

Place the mug in your dishwasher alongside your usual load.

2

Add a Dishwashing Tab in the detergent compartment.

3

Run a normal cycle. Mug comes out spotless and safe to drink from.

Koh Universal Cleaner and Double Dish Tabs refill kit

Universal Cleaner + Double Dish Tabs · refill kit

One Universal Cleaner 2L box plus two packs of Dishwashing Tabs. The pairing for tannin stains and everyday dishwashing.

Koh Universal Cleaner 2L

Universal Cleaner · for the tannin lift

2L bag-in-box. Two ingredients, GECA eco-certified. Lifts tannins from mugs, plus 20+ surfaces around the home.

Koh Dishwashing Tabs 50pk

Dishwashing Tabs · for the wash

50pk. 10 ingredients, GECA eco-certified, fragrance-free. Septic and grey water safe. PVA film stays on.

Last reviewed: April 2026

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