Best practices for maintaining teawareUpdated 2 years ago
Maintaining Teaware is just as important as infusion times and using variable controlled kettles. All work hand in hand to deliver the tea at its fullest expression. Below we have listed a number of ways of how to maintain your vessels in regards to the material used.
GLASS TEAWARE
Wash with soap and rinse with warm water, immediately after use
Use baking soda to get rid of tea stains and a toothpaste scrub for a stronger stain
Soak in medium hot water with lemon, to clean water stains
To rid a lingering taste, soak the teaware in vinegar and wash normally
Wipe the with a damp cloth and dry with a soft dish towel to avoid watermarks
Never use hard brushes as it may scratch your glass teaware
If a dishwasher is being used, put the glass teaware only on the top rack
Do not use the teaware if chipped or cracked
CERAMIC TEAWARE
Flush the utensils with water, immediately after use
Use a soft cloth to dry them minimally
If glazed interiors, rinse with warm water to avoid any soap residues
If unglazed, never use soap as the interior walls will absorb and retain soap. Instead just use warm water to clean.
To remove residue, dampen salt on the residue, then scrub with a soft toothbrush
Replace if the utensils are chipped, or the stains don’t come out after multiple scrubs
PORCELAIN TEAWARE
Scrub with mild detergent and then rinse them with warm water after regular use
Mix vinegar and corn starch, let it sit for several minutes and scrub to remove stains (or lemon juice + baking soda / or just salt)
Overnight soak works well to bring out those stubborn stains, can be detergent, salt, lemon juice and vinegar
Avoid varying water temperatures while washing the utensil
Bleach and chemicals to avoided while cleaning porcelain
Replace only if chipped or cracked
CLAY TEAWARE
Rinse the teaware with boiling water a few times after use
Avoid using dish soap to wash your teaware
Leave the teaware on a towel to air-dry. Afterward, if you still notice some damp spots, dry the teaware very well using a clean towel
Make sure the teaware is thoroughly dry before storing it away
Once the teaware is clean and dry, store it out of direct light
METAL TEAWARE
Immediately after use, rinse with warm water
Use a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to clean metal teaware. Soak it in the solution for 2 hours, and then brush. Your teaware will be as good as new
If the stains are stubborn, mix 4 teaspoons of baking soda in warm water, and pour into the teaware. Then scrub the pot clean.
Avoid washing metal in hot water, as it can easily flake.
If it is taken care of, and the iron taste doesn’t lend itself to the tea, the teaware can be used for generations
STAINLESS STEEL MILK JUG
Scrub with mild detergent and then rinse them with warm water after regular use
Every couple of weeks, fill them with a water and solution to break up any calcium hardness that's developing.
Let the solution sit for fifteen minutes, then give them a normal wash with soapy water
MATCHA BOWL
After using the tea bowl, rinse it gently with water. Do not put it in dishwasher or dryer. Always wash by hand!
Do not use strong dishwashing soap, only soft, organic soap
Avoid placing it in places with high temperatures, such as a microwave, oven or stove
BAMBOO WHISK
Carefully rinse it under running water. If needed, use your fingers to gently remove remaining matcha. Do not let the bamboo sit in water
Do not use dishwasher, dryer or dish soap