06 Feb 2026
cheat sheet: matcha stain rescue
- Act fast (fresh stains are far easier to shift)
- Cold water only (hot water can lock in the stain)
- Blot, don’t scrub (it can damage the clothing fibres)
- Use smol stain gel (enzyme-powered, bleach-free, tested on real-life stains)
- Wash as normal (and admire your stain-free self)
Matcha is most definitely having a moment!
It’s wildly popular now across the UK and much-loved for its subtle energy boost and all-powerful antioxidants not to mention its unmistakable vibrant green glow.
But here’s what’s not-so-zen. Matcha is one of the trickiest drink stains going.
why so green?
This is all because it’s not just normal tea.
Matcha tea plants are grown in the shade which greatly increases their chlorophyll production. This gives the leaves and resulting powder its intense, vibrant green color (and much-loved earthy flavour).
BUT…
While matcha stains certainly look dramatic, with a little smol know-how they’re absolutely beatable. So let’s get to it!
how to get rid of matcha stains.
step 1. act fast.
- Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel
- Don’t rub (it will push the green colourant further into the fabric)
step 2. rinse with cold water.
- Flush the stain under a running tap from the back of the fabric
- Always use cold water. Hot water can permanently set the stain
step 3. apply smol stain gel.
- Work a small amount of stain gel directly into the stain
- Our enzyme-powered formula breaks down plant-based stains
- We’ve tested it on: matcha powder and straight matcha spills
- Spoiler: it smashed it
smol test kitchen tip
For stubborn matcha stains, use smol stain gel as a 15-minute pre-soak (20ml in 5L cold water).
In testing, this method outperforms even the leading big brand stain remover.¹
step 4. leave to do its thing.
- Let smol stain gel work its magic for 5 minutes.
- Don’t let the stain dry out.
step 5. wash as usual.
- Wash the item as usual according to the clothing care label instructions.
- Use smol bio capsules or bio laundry liquid for best results.
- Line dry indoors or out.
- If you need to tumble dry it - check the stain has gone before doing so.
- Repeat steps 1-5 if the stain is still there.
what fabrics does this work on?
smol stain gel works beautifully on:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Linen
- Blends
what NOT to do.
- Don’t use hot water first
- Don’t throw it straight in the dryer
- Don’t panic-bleach (especially on colours)
- Bleach can actually lock in green stains or turn them yellow.
matcha stain FAQs.
does matcha stain clothes permanently?
Usually, no. If you act quickly and avoid using hot water, matcha stains are very removable with a smol’s enzyme-based stain remover and our ever-powerful smol bio detergent.
are matcha latte stains worse than plain matcha?
Yes. Milk and sugar make stains stickier and harder to lift. The sooner you treat them, the better the result.
can I use washing-up liquid instead?
Washing up liquid can help with fresh stains, but it’s not designed for fabric fibres. For anything dried or stubborn, a proper stain gel will do a far better job.
does smol stain gel work on dried matcha stains?
Yes. We’ve tested it on dried-in stains and got brilliant results.
can I use hot water after treating the stain?
Only once the stain is completely gone. If there’s any green left, keep things cold.
¹ Based on performance testing vs big brands using established industry methodology