Here's how to clean a tea-stained china teapot or teacup.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

1. Warm the teapot first by swirling about a cup of very warm water inside the china. Pour this water out.
2. Next, fill the stained china teacup or teapot with very hot (nearly boiling) water. Fill to the top or at least to cover the area of the stain.
3. Drop in a denture tablet. Use one or two tablets for a teapot. Or, cut each tablet into four pieces to use in four individual teacups.
4. Make sure the hot water fills the teapot spout as well. If necessary, prop up the handle side slightly with a towel or other object, so the hot water can reach into all areas of the spout.
5. Check after one hour.
6. If stains persist, leave the solution in the pot overnight.
7. When stains are gone, wash the teapot in hot soapy water.
8. Rinse thoroughly.
9. Dry well with a towel, then air dry for several hours.
10. Some experts recommend keeping a sugar cube in the bottom of a teapot to collect moisture as it is being stored. However, if ants are a problem in your area, you'll want to avoid this tip.

Tips:

1. CAUTION: Consult an antiques expert before using this tip on particularly valuable or priceless china pieces.
2. Always wash the teapot in hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly after using this treatment.
3. Dry the teapot completely before putting it away.

More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating