Why can't a new teapot be used directly for Tea brewing? The purpose of the “waking up” ritual for a new teapot includes three aspects: Firstly, because during its production, transportation, and display, a new teapot often gets covered with some clay particles, dust, packaging debris (especially on flower-decorated Teapots). Additionally, some teapots still retain white aluminum powder (used as a refractory barrier; it is sprinkled inside the lid rim before firing to prevent the lid from fusing with the body). These foreign substances should be removed beforehand. Secondly, after coming out of the kiln, a new teapot has not yet been acquainted with tea flavors, and its fire and earth odors are still strong. If these are not removed beforehand, they will hinder the appreciation of the tea infusion. Thirdly, upstream producers often apply a layer of wax oil on the surface of newly-fired clay teapots to increase their luster and enhance their appearance. This oily substance not only blocks the teapot's surface pores but also forms a protective film that repels tea water. If this is not removed, the effort to nourish the teapot will be in vain.

Boiling and Brushing

There are two rituals for the “inauguration” of a teapot, and readers may choose one based on their personal situation.

Boiling Method

Take a clean pot without any strange odors. Place the lid and body of the teapot separately at the bottom of the pot, then slowly pour in clear water until it covers the teapot. Heat it gently over low heat until it boils. Note that the teapot and water should be heated simultaneously. Do not follow what some books suggest, which is to suddenly place the teapot into boiling water. Although purple clay teapots can withstand sudden temperature changes well, such rough treatment might cause your treasured teapot to crack (“open mouth smile”). Most teapots that do this have pre-existing hidden damage. After the water boils, take a cheap tea (usually heavily roasted tea that can withstand boiling) and put it into the pot to simmer. After a few minutes, scoop out the tea leaves while leaving the teapot and tea soup to continue simmering over low heat. After about 20-30 minutes, use bamboo chopsticks to carefully remove the teapot from the pot and let it cool down naturally (do not rinse with cold water). Finally, rinse the inside and outside of the teapot with clear water to thoroughly remove any remaining tea residue, and it can then be used officially.

The primary function of this boiling method, besides removing wax and waking up the teapot, is to allow the teapot's pore structure to release the contained earthy odor and impurities through thermal expansion and contraction. If done properly, this will help with future tea brewing and teapot nourishment.

Brushing Method

This is a simpler method. First, warm the teapot with warm water, then fill it with boiling water and pour hot water over the outside of the teapot to keep the entire teapot at a high temperature. Then, using a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in toothpaste, thoroughly brush both the inside and outside of the teapot several times. Rinse with hot water to remove the foam, thereby eliminating the earthy odor and wax.

The advantage of the brushing method is its simplicity and convenience. It can be done on the tea table without needing a stove or a pot. However, its effect is not as thorough as the boiling method. In addition, certain brands of toothpaste (especially those that emphasize strong stain removal) contain higher concentrations of abrasive agents, which may create scratches on teapots with finer surfaces (such as red clay or green clay). Dishwashing liquid may be used instead.

Renewal and Transformation

The inauguration rituals mentioned earlier are intended for new teapots. If you have a second-hand, old, or unearthed teapot, handling them requires more caution, as no one knows who the previous owner was.

An unearthed teapot certainly needs a thorough cleaning, and so do old and second-hand teapots, because in some regions, people drink tea directly from the spout, and there are even some households that use teapots to store soy sauce or kerosene. Some antique dealers like to dye purple clay teapots with ink, shoe polish, or hydrochloric acid to make them look old. Even if you get a second-hand teapot from a friend, you should clean it thoroughly and start the brewing process anew, because “a good teapot should not serve two types of tea.” If a teapot that is usually used for Pu'er is suddenly switched to Oolong, the tea flavor will not be pure, affecting the tasting experience.

The renewal and transformation of an old purple clay teapot is usually not done by the boiling method, as old teapots may have hidden cracks or repairs that are not suitable for such “strong medicine.” Typically, take a clean basin, place the warmed-up old teapot in it, and slowly pour hot water over it until it submerges the teapot. Mix in about 10cc of bleach. Leave it for an hour, then remove it and use the aforementioned brushing method to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the teapot. At this point, its true face will be revealed. A special note is that bleach is harmful to the human body and has strong penetration. It must be thoroughly rinsed afterward before being used for tea brewing.