Taking Care of Your Tea Set
Hello Tea Friends!
There’s always something so refreshing about a well prepared, fragrant tea. After a long day, there’s nothing like going to get your favorite tea equipment, taking it to your usual spot, and…
Wait! You forgot to clean it last time you used it!
This happens to all of us every now and then, sometimes we just forget. So, what’s the best way to get your beloved tea set sparkling like new again? Here are some of the most widely known methods for getting you ready for another brew!
We’ll Start Light!
First things first, get rid of those leaves if you haven’t already. Mold can start growing pretty quick, and trust me, mold and teaware don’t mix. (For a less traditional way of getting rid of them, try cold brewing the used leaves!)
Now, to quote my late-night research notes: “Boil the heck out of ‘em!” Hot water is your best friend for sterilizing teaware. Everyone has their own method, but the key is to clean and sterilize where tea and lips have touched. If you want to avoid staining, it’s important to rinse and dry the outsides and bottoms of things as that’s where tea often accumulates during uses. Tea stains are a personal preference though, so if you like the aged look, cleaning the bottoms is optional.
Tip: If you’re using glass teaware, dry it with a soft cloth while it’s still warm from the hot rinse to avoid water spots and keep it looking fresh ✨
But what about using soap, you may ask? Don’t. While there are cases where a very small amount of a mild detergent may help, try not to use soap unless you absolutely feel it’s necessary. A lot of teaware is very porous and the taste can linger in your future brews. In the words of Jesse, “You don’t even want to be thinking about if your tea has soap in it, ‘cause it’ll mess with your head.” Always start natural, and only escalate if needed!
Let’s Talk Dirty.
So, you’ve given your teaware a nice, hot rinse, but those stains are still hanging around (when you don’t want them to!) After lots of love, it’s natural for your favorite cups to show some wear. Since we carry primarily glazed porcelain pieces, we’ll focus on those for today!
First up, melamine sponges! They’re great for removing pesky stains on porcelain and glass. But remember, they’re slightly abrasive, which is why they work so well. Be gentle when using them and try to be sparing in how often you do. On teaware with decals, antique, or ornamental pieces, too much scrubbing can cause fading. It may even wear off the art you like so much! Stick to light, natural sponges—nothing heavy-duty! And never use abrasive tools, as they can damage the glaze or finish.
Prefer a different approach? Baking soda is your best friend! A little vinegar works wonders too. A mix of baking soda and water is one well known method of stain removal, whereas some people prefer white or diluted vinegar and water. A little salt can also be useful! I also saw some people who swore by toothpaste, potato skins, egg shells… whichever method you decide to try, make sure you look into it first! As a general rule, make sure you’re very gentle when applying the mixes. Try to stick to just using your fingers for application and scrubbing.
Some Other Tips!
We’ve covered your basic teaware care, but let’s not forget the little things that complete the experience. First- Your tea pets! We love our little guys, but should you clean them? No. The only care they require is your love and affection! If anything, a light, quick rinse is all they require. Any scrubbing will interfere with the beautiful color change they get from your tea. They like being dirty!
Now, how about your tea table? No matter the type, the most important thing is to dump out any spills after your session. For bamboo or wood tables, make sure to give them a good dry—especially bamboo, since moisture can lead to cracks, warping, and rot! To increase the longevity of your wooden trays we recommend occasionally conditioning them with mineral oil.
For stone tables, like our Bluestone ones, clean them with a soft cloth after use. If you absolutely need to use soap, go for a pH-neutral one and avoid strong acids like vinegar or lemon juice. But as always, our champions baking soda and water work wonders for tough stains, so try those first!
And there you have it—everything you need to keep your beloved teaware in great shape! Whether it’s your favorite porcelain cup, a well used tea table, or even your cherished tea pet, a little care goes a long way. By giving your teaware the care it deserves, you're not just preserving its quality—you're ensuring that every brew of tea is as perfect as the first.. So, give your teaware the love it deserves, and enjoy every sip with the knowledge that your pieces are as well-cared for as the tea you brew in them. Happy steeping!
-Angel Wheeler
Jesse's Teahouse Customer Support <3