Now even though kombucha is a widely popular drink that’s full of benefits such as probiotics and organic acids, it’s still essentially a drink that’s made from tea. All types of tea leaves have naturally-occurring tannins in them, and these tannins are the major culprits when I’m asked does kombucha stain by our Customers. As the Head Brewer for our Thailand kombucha brewery, I can tell you that I get kombucha on me all the time, and yes it can stain surfaces, stain materials and can even stain your teeth if you drink kombucha regularly and don’t take correct dental care!

In my article, we talk about kombucha staining, and most importantly how to remove kombucha stains from your teeth or clothes or materials. We’ll explore six different aspects of kombucha staining to help you better understand the nature of the problem and how to address it. From the types of surfaces that are most susceptible to staining, to the health risks and cleaning methods associated with kombucha stains, we’ll cover all the key information you need to know to enjoy your kombucha – without the kombucha stains!

Causes and factors related to kombucha staining

What causes kombucha to stain?

The main staining agent in unflavoured kombucha are the tannins. These are a class of water-soluble polyphenolic compounds that are found in various plants, including tea, coffee, wine, and fruits such as grapes and apples. Tannins are responsible for that slightly bitter astringent taste of these foods and drinks – including kombucha – and they also have a number of other biological properties, such as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in our bodies.

Kombucha is mainly made from a mixture of green and black teas, so does unflavoured kombucha stain with just white tea for example? Yes, it does still stain , but as there are lower levels of tannins in the younger white tea leaves, then the staining will be not as pronounced as when we use black or green tea leaves.

The reason tannins can cause staining because they like to bind with proteins and other organic compounds. When tannins come into contact with a surface, such as your clothes, fabric or carpet, they will bind to the fibres and create a coloured complex chemical that is difficult to remove. Shame the kombucha stain couldn’t be transparent, but here we are!

Actually, the kombucha staining properties of tannins depend on several factors, including the concentration of tannins, the kombucha pH level, and the type of surface that the tannins come into contact with. For example, it’s pretty obvious that a darker, mainly black tea-based kombucha that’s full of tannins is more likely to cause difficult staining on light-coloured fabrics or surfaces, but because these pesky tannins also have a high affinity for metal ions such as iron and aluminium, it means when you spill on a coloured surface or material, then these chemical interactions can lead to the formation of coloured complexes that are resistant to normal cleaning methods: Darker the material, the more the stain, as a general rule.

Does Kombucha Stain Teeth?

Now when it comes to asking does kombucha stain our teeth? Yes, it can if you don’t follow oral hygiene, but you won’t have a tooth-staining issue if you do have a good daily routine. If you’ve ever seen the teeth of a regular coffee or tea drinker, then you’ll notice that brown discolouration? This is the result of poor dental hygiene and them not brushing away all the piglets and tannins from their teeth. It doesn’t look good, and will require a trip to the dentist to get a descaling and possibly a tooth-whitening procedure.

Kombucha has been associated with tooth staining due to its acidic nature and the presence of pigments and tannins in the drink. The acidity of kombucha can cause erosion of the tooth enamel, which can make the teeth more susceptible to staining due to pigments being more easily able to bind to the enamel and create a coloured stain.

The severity and persistence of tooth staining from kombucha will depend on various factors, such as the concentration of the drink, the frequency of consumption, and the length of time that the drink remains in contact with the teeth. Drinking kombucha through a straw or slugging straight back from a bottle, along with rinsing the mouth with water after consumption can help to reduce the risk of staining.

Summary on does kombucha stain teeth? Sure thing: Tooth staining from kombucha is not a common occurrence and is typically associated with excessive consumption or poor oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can help to prevent tooth staining and other dental issues.

Does the flavour of kombucha affect the likelihood of staining?

So as another general rule, does kombucha stain more or less depending on if you fruit or botanicals are used? Yes, it makes a huge difference when does kombucha stain incidents happen on materials, but not so much when we’re talking about teeth.

Let’s take some common fruits we use in our Phuket kombucha brewery for example.

Fruits we use, include strawberries and blackcurrants. These two can cause staining of materials due to the presence of natural pigments called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments that are responsible for the red, purple, or blue colour of many fruits and vegetables. And, apparently, all my work t-shirts.

When strawberries come into contact with a surface, such as fabric or skin, these anthocyanins are released and they bind to the surface, creating the dreaded red coloured stain. Anthocyanins are highly reactive and can form complexes with various molecules, such as proteins and other organic compounds. When they come into contact with a surface, such as fabric or skin, the anthocyanins can bind to the surface like tannins, and create a coloured complex chemical that is difficult to remove. Now of course we also have the tannins in the kombucha to start with from the tea, and now we’re stacking these anthocyanins on top of the tannins.

Can the colour of kombucha affect the likelihood of staining?

I’d often wondered myself, does kombucha stain more or less if we use more white (younger) tea in our fermentation? Well I tried doing exactly that, and it turns out that you can’t reliably make consistent batches of kombucha taste great if you only use white tea. So I can tell you from experience with my own clothes and production equipment (when it’s not 304 stainless steel), that a darker kombucha that we brew with more black tea than green tea: Yes, that will result in a higher likelihood of staining due to a lot more tannins from the black tea leaves we use.

How does the acidity of kombucha impact its staining properties?

The acidic pH range of kombucha can affect its taste, but does kombucha stain materials depending on its pH? No, not really in the context of materials. However, with poor dental hygiene, then regular consumption of kombucha will have an affect on whether or not does kombucha stain your teeth.

Whilst the acidity of kombucha is a natural result of the fermentation process, it’s the natural pigments and other compounds such as tannins in the kombucha that can cause staining, by them binding to the surface to create a coloured stain.

It’s important to note that the pH of the surface that kombucha comes into contact with, can affect its ability to cause staining though! For example, surfaces with a lower pH may be more susceptible to staining, as the acidic nature of kombucha can further lower the pH and create a more favourable environment for the pigments to bind to the surface.

Does kombucha stain surfaces with a lower pH? Absolutely it can. Here’s some examples:

1. Concrete or cement surfaces, which have a naturally low pH due to their composition.
2. Natural stone surfaces, such as marble or granite, which can be sensitive to acids and have a relatively low pH.
3. Surfaces that have been treated with acidic cleaning products, which can lower the pH and make them more susceptible to staining.
4. Surfaces that have been damaged or weakened, such as older fabrics or carpets, which may have a lower pH due to age or wear.

Overall, while the pH of kombucha can affect its taste and quality, it does not directly impact its staining properties. The staining properties of kombucha are primarily due to the natural pigments and other compounds in the drink, as well as the type of surface that it comes into contact with.

Are there any particular brands or types of kombucha that are more likely to stain?

No, there’s no kombucha brands that will cause a stain more than another brand, but just be aware of factors such as that a darker kombucha will have more tannins and pigments in it. Does kombucha stain if the kombucha is darker? Yes, because of those tannins and pigments in there. And if that brand has a flavour that has a high level of anthocyanins from the fruit they use? Then yes, that’s going to stain much easier than one without them. It’s important to be mindful of these factors and take appropriate precautions when perhaps your children are handling and consuming kombucha.

Effects and consequences of kombucha staining

Is it true that kombucha stains everything it comes into contact with?

No, not at all. If you treat it the same as if you spilled a cup of tea or a fruit juice, then it doesn’t mean it will definitely stain. And if you clean your teeth regularly, and maintain basic oral hygiene, then you’ll be ok.

While kombucha can potentially cause staining on certain surfaces, such as fabrics or carpets or teeth, it’s not true that it stains everything it comes into contact with. Does kombucha stain depending on various factors, such as the concentration of the drink, the pH of the kombucha, and the type of surface that it comes into contact with? Yes: They’re all factors in whether the stain will be easier or harder to remove.

Honestly? The primary staining factor from kombucha is the presence of natural pigments, such as anthocyanins, which are responsible for its amber/greenish colour – or the reds if you’re drinking a mixed berry kombucha. When these pigments come into contact with certain surfaces, they can bind to the surface and create a coloured stain. At the Phuket kombucha brewery, some of the hardest stains to get rid of, are the ones left from when we use turmeric: When THAT stains, it’s the hardest to get rid of – and it if gets into my clothes, then it’s near impossible if the clothes are coloured. RIP my white KombuchaWOW t-shirts again.

Can kombucha stains be permanent?

The severity and persistence whether or not does kombucha stain permanently, will depend on various factors such as the pH of the kombucha, the spill concentration of the drink, the type of surface, and the length of time that it remains in contact with the surface. Surfaces that are more porous or absorbent, such as fabrics or carpets, may be more susceptible to staining from kombucha.

Can kombucha stains be harmful to pets or children?

No, kombucha stains are not toxic to common pets such as dogs and cats. In fact, many pet owners actively feed their discarded scobys to their pets, believing them to be good for the pets digestions, given the high probiotic content of scoby pellicles. I would advise drying the pellicles out before you give them to the pets as a tasty chew.

Can kombucha stains affect the taste of other foods or beverages?

Cooks and Food and Beverage Managers ask me “does kombucha stain problems make other foods or drinks taste different?”. The answer is the if you spill kombucha into another food or drink then yes in all but specific circumstances, then yes it will affect the taste of that food or drink by making it taste acidic. HOWEVER, a kombucha stain or its residue will present no issue as long as you have reduced it as much as you can, and it’s a dry stain.

What are some common misconceptions about kombucha staining?

People often ask us; Does kombucha stain mean I can’t get rid of it at all? I always tell them that if the kombucha has turmeric in it, then the chances are that the stain will not come out. I have many clothes that have been ruined by me spilling turmeric on them during our kombucha production! HOWEVER, if the kombucha spill is attended too quickly, then there should be a great chance that the staining will be removed with no long term issues and no permanency. Kombucha stains are not difficult to remove, but can be particularly problematic when they occur on lighter coloured clothing or furniture.

Does kombucha stain teeth if you drink a lot of it?

Yes it will, the same as any other tannin-heavy drink (looking at you tea and coffee). BUT, a common misconception is that drinking kombucha regularly will definitely stain teeth, which is totally wrong. All you you have to do to avoid this staining, is to maintain an average oral hygiene program and brush regularly.

Prevention and cleaning of kombucha stains

How long does it take for a kombucha stain to set in?

This really depends on the surface you spill the kombucha on, and whether the kombucha has a high concentration of anthocyanins such as turmeric or dark-skinned fruit such as black currant, blackberries etc. For example, spilling an unflavoured kombucha, or one that contains no anthocyanins onto materials and surfaces, then there will likely be no residual staining assuming you attend to the spill quickly.

However, if the surface is a light colour and you have a fruit-based flavour such as our mixed berry kombucha, or our Phuket Blue kombucha that contains the most vivid bright blue anthocyanins found in blue spirulina, then the stain will be immediate and impossible to remove without professional cleaning agents.

What is the best way to clean a surface or fabric stained by kombucha?

OK, this is the number one reason you’re likely reading this article so let’s get into how to remove kombucha stains from clothing and materials.

I got you.

Basic kombucha stain removal steps:

1. First, remove any excess kombucha liquid by blotting NOT WIPING with clean, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
2. Mix a weak solution of lukewarm water and mild liquid detergent, such as Woolite or Ivory, in a clean bowl or basin.
3. Dip a clean, white cloth into the cleaning solution and gently blot the stained area. Be careful not to rub the fabric, as this can damage the delicate fibres.
4. Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water to remove any soap residue.
5. If the stain persists, you can try using a stain remover such as a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and apply it to the stain using a clean, white cloth. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water.
6. Finally, if the stain is super-persistent, then you can sprinkle sodium percarbonate powder directly on the stain with a little water. No need to mix it, as soon as you introduce the water drops to the powder, you will see and hear it start fizzing: This is down to the chemical release of thousands of tiny oxygen and hydrogen bubbles working to breakup the stain and lift it out of the material. Leave for 10 minutes only maximum.

Now if this doesn’t work, then you’re in for a trip to the dry cleaners I’m afraid.

Professional dry cleaners have access to cleaning agents and equipment that are designed to gently clean and restore delicate fabrics like silk, wool and cotton. Dry cleaners use some very specific chemicals and processes, such as:

1. Solvent-based cleaning agents: Dry cleaners may use solvent-based cleaning agents, such as perchloroethylene (PERC) or hydrocarbon solvents, to clean silk fabrics, for example. These solvents are effective at removing stains and dirt from silk without damaging the delicate fibers. However, they must be used in a controlled environment to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals.
2. Wet-cleaning: Wet-cleaning is a process that uses water and specialised detergents to clean silk fabrics. This process is effective at removing stains and dirt from silk without damaging the delicate fibers. Wet-cleaning may be used for silk and cotton garments that are labeled as washable.
3. Enzyme-based cleaning agents: Some dry cleaners may use enzyme-based cleaning agents to remove stains from silk, wooden and cotton fabrics. These agents contain enzymes that break down proteins, such as blood or food stains such as kombucha, without damaging the delicate fibers.
4. Hand-cleaning: For delicate silk fabrics, dry cleaners may use hand-cleaning techniques to gently remove stains and dirt. This process involves using a specialised detergent that isn’t available to general public, and gently rubbing the fabric by hand to remove the stain.
5. Pressing and steaming: After the fabric has been cleaned, dry cleaners may use specialised pressing and steaming equipment to restore the fabric’s texture and shape. This process involves using heat and pressure to smooth out wrinkles and restore the fabric’s natural lustre.

Is there anything I can do to prevent kombucha stains on my clothing?

Not really. Any time you drink a beverage or eat food, then there’s always the chance you’re doing to drop some on you and your clothes. You can chemically treat your clothes with silicon sprays for example, but you’re not going to do this on your average item of clothing such as a t-shirt or blazer.

How can I remove kombucha stains from a carpet or rug?

I would treat the rug the same as fabric material for clothing, but I would dilute any vinegar to water ratio to 1:2 as colours can run from different dyes in the rug or carpet.

Are there any natural remedies for removing kombucha stains?

Yes, you can dilute equal parts white vinegar and water and soak the affected area with the mixture. You can also use an oxygen cleaner such as sodium percarbonate which when mixed with water, will produce oxygen bubbles in the stain to help break up the kombucha stain. I class this as a natural remedy for removing kombucha stains as its byproducts are just oxygen, hydrogen and sodium carbonate – all of which are environmentally-friendly and won’t harm animals or wildlife.

How do I get rid of kombucha stains from my kitchen counter?

Many people use drinks coasters if they’re drinking from bottles. Assuming though you’ve had a kombucha spillage? I would use sodium percarbonate sprinkled over the top of the stain. Add a little water until you see it fizzing, which means the oxygen and hydrogen bubbles are reacting and help to soften the stain and make it break up. Then wash off with a cold damp towel or cloth.

If your kitchen counters are not hard surfaces, and made from a more porous material though? Well, you’ll need to soak the kombucha stain with a mixture of white vinegar and water at a ratio of 1:1 for around 10 minutes, rinsing with cold water to hopefully lift the stain at that point.

How do I prevent my kombucha bottles from staining my fridge shelves?

This one is easy: Rinse off glass bottles if you have kombucha drip down the sides of the bottle, just like you’d do with a bottle of soda or a bottle of milk (no-one wants old milk stains on their fridge shelves either, right!)

Can I use bleach or other harsh chemicals to remove kombucha stains?

Absolutely you can use bleach to remove kombucha stains assuming the surface or material can withstand bleaching as per its Manufacturer’s care label. At our Phuket kombucha brewery, we clean all surfaces down with a weak bleach solution so we’re always compliant with a healthy and safe workplace.

How can I protect my clothing when brewing or drinking kombucha?

As the Head Brewer of KombuchaWOW here in Phuket, I’ve learned to protect my clothes by wearing a protective coat like you see in labs, so when I spill kombucha through normal brewing activities, then my regular clothes will not be affected. I’m not really bothered by raw kombucha spills – they are easy to remove through a normal washing machine cycle, but it’s the turmeric, blue spirulina and the darker soft fruits we use in the production of our flavours that can stain badly if I don’t tend to those stains quickly.

Can kombucha stains be removed from clothing after they’ve been washed and dried?

Removing most kombucha stains is simple by placing the item of clothing in a washing machine and using your regular washing detergant. My very strong suggestion though, if the kombucha contains a darker fruit juice, turmeric or blue spirulina though then I would consider soaking the item in a weak 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water first, or a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide, or sprinkle some sodium percarbonate directly onto the stain with a few drops of water. This will help breakup the proteins in the stain and “lift” it off the fabric. Then, after a 10 minute soak in this way, wash your item of clothing as normal in your washing machine.

What should I do if I spill kombucha on my furniture?

Kombucha is naturally acidic, so if it’s spilled on wood furniture it can potentially damage the wood varnish – especially if the spill is not cleaned up promptly.

The extent of the damage will depend on several factors, including the type and age of the wood varnish, the duration of the exposure, and the amount of kombucha spilled. In some cases, the acid in the kombucha may cause the varnish to discolour or become dull, while in other cases, it may cause the varnish to peel or flake off.

The process which kombucha damages wood varnish, is through a process called acid hydrolysis. Acid hydrolysis occurs when an acid breaks down the chemical bonds in a material, causing it to deteriorate or dissolve.

Wood varnish is typically made up of a combination of resins, solvents, and additives that are designed to protect and enhance the appearance of wood. When kombucha comes into contact with the varnish, the low pH of the kombucha (around 3.5) can react with the resins and other components in the varnish, causing them to break down.

Over time, this can cause the varnish to become discoloured, dull, or even peel or flake off. The severity of the damage will depend on several factors, including the type and age of the varnish, the duration of the exposure, and the amount of kombucha spilled – and whether you cleaned it up quickly or not!

Professional furniture cleaners may use specialised cleaning agents and techniques to remove stains and restore damaged wood varnish. However, the success of these methods will depend on the severity of the damage and the type of wood and varnish used.

To minimise the risk of damage to wood varnish from kombucha spills, it’s important to clean up those spills quickly using a clean, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood and the varnish. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution to gently clean the affected area, or some dedicated upholstery cleaning product.

If the spill has caused damage to the wood varnish, then you’ll probably need to sand and refinish the affected area to restore its appearance. Professional furniture cleaners may be able to provide this service, or it may be possible to do it yourself with the proper tools and materials.

Is it possible to remove kombucha stains from my skin?

Kombucha won’t stain your skin or teeth even if you regularly drink it. Your skin might get stained if you drink a kombucha with turmeric or blue spirulina in there, as those can get into the skin pores giving an appearance of skin discolouration. A normal everyday hand-washing liquid will take care of removing most kombucha stains from your skin – and a trick I personally use to remove kombucha stains, is to also rinse my hands in lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural and effective stain remover for skin because of its acidic properties, and the citric acid in it can help to break down and dissolve certain types of stains, including those caused by food, dirt, and makeup – as well as turmeric and blue spirulina!

When lemon juice is applied to a stain on the skin, the acid in the juice works to break down the chemical bonds that hold the stain together. This makes the stain easier to remove with gentle scrubbing or washing – but be careful if you have sensitive skin – remember lemon juice contains citric acid which is quite strong for those with skin that doesn’t tolerate harsh agents.

Prevention and cleaning of kombucha stains: A summary

Preventing and cleaning kombucha stains requires careful attention to timing, cleaning techniques, and the materials involved. To minimise the risk of staining, it is important to prepare and store kombucha properly, and to handle it with care during consumption. If staining does occur, there are several remedies and cleaning techniques that can be used to minimise or remove the stain, depending on the surface or material affected. For example, wiping the affected area with a cloth or paper towel may help to absorb excess liquid and prevent further staining. Similarly, applying a mixture of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide may be effective in removing the stain, especially on hard surfaces. Protective measures such as using coasters or placing kombucha on a tray can also help to prevent staining, especially on delicate or porous surfaces. With proper preparation and attention, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of kombucha without having to worry about unsightly stains.

Safety and health concerns related to kombucha staining

Are there any health risks associated with drinking kombucha that could cause staining?

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that contains live cultures of bacteria and yeast. While kombucha is generally considered safe to drink in moderation, there are some potential health risks associated with consuming the beverage. One concern for me as a brewer of kombucha in commercial amounts, is that prolonged exposure of kombucha stains on skin, could lead to issues.

Additionally, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to kombucha or its components, which could exacerbate the effects of staining. To avoid these risks, it is important to be mindful of proper handling and storage of kombucha, and to take appropriate precautions when cleaning up stains. For example, wearing gloves or using protective equipment can help to minimise skin contact and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

In fact, this has happened to me a few times when I have not worn gloves and handled kombucha scobys: The bacteria and yeast gave me a rash which didn’t hurt or itch, but it did take 3 days before it disappeared. Lesson learned: Wear gloves when brewing kombucha and handling scobys! I didn’t need to seek medical attention, and didn’t experience any adverse symptoms occuring as a result of exposure to scobys or kombucha stains. After the initial irritation, it was gone and I experienced no respiratory problems.

But my skin issue was because I was handling kombucha in a very concentrated form – I am 100% certain a normal kombucha spill on your skin from a bottle mishap will not affect you in the same way. Drink up!

One of the other main concerns with drinking kombucha is the potential for dental erosion and staining. Kombucha is an acidic beverage, and frequent consumption can potentially damage the enamel on teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity, discolouration, and cavities – if the drinker doesn’t follow a standard dental and oral hygiene program (clean your teeth after a kombucha, for example)

In addition to the acid content, kombucha also contains sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay if consumed in excess. The combination of acid and sugar in kombucha can potentially create an environment in the mouth that is conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria.

To minimise the risk of dental erosion and staining from kombucha, it’s important to consume the beverage in moderation and to rinse the mouth with water after drinking. It’s also a good idea to brush your teeth after consuming any form of acidic beverages to help remove any acid that may be lingering on the teeth.

By being aware of these potential risks and taking appropriate steps to address them, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of kombucha without compromising safety or health.

Materials and surfaces affected by kombucha staining

Can kombucha stains be removed from wood or other porous surfaces?

Kombucha stains can affect a variety of materials and surfaces, but some may be more prone to staining than others. For example, wood surfaces can be particularly susceptible to staining, especially if they are porous or have not been sealed properly. Similarly, fabrics and clothing may be permanently stained by kombucha, especially if the liquid is not removed promptly.

Are there any materials that are particularly resistant to staining from kombucha?

Resistance to staining can vary depending on the material, with some surfaces and materials being more resilient than others. To minimise the risk of staining, it is important to be mindful of the specific properties of the materials and surfaces involved, and to take appropriate precautions to prevent or address stains. This may involve using protective measures such as coasters or placemats, or using cleaning techniques and remedies that are appropriate for the specific material.

By being proactive and attentive, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of kombucha without having to worry about unsightly stains on your favourite materials and surfaces.

Timing and permanence of kombucha staining

How can I tell if a kombucha stain is permanent or can be removed?

The timing and permanence of kombucha stains can vary depending on a number of factors, including the surface or material involved, the length of time the stain is left untreated, and the cleaning methods used to address the stain. In general, the longer a kombucha stain is left untreated, the more likely it is to become permanent or difficult to remove. However, the permanence of a stain also depends on the specific properties of the surface or material, with some being more susceptible to staining than others.

How long does it take for kombucha stains to set in?

To determine if a kombucha stain is permanent or can be removed, it is important to consider the nature of the stain and the specific cleaning methods that may be effective for that type of stain. For example, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide may be effective in removing fresh or light stains, while more aggressive cleaning methods may be necessary for older or more deeply set stains. By being proactive and addressing stains as soon as possible, it is possible to prevent permanent damage and keep surfaces looking clean and fresh.