Purple clay Teapots are known for their excellent breathability. Ancient texts have recorded: “Old tea doesn't sour, and in the summer it doesn't develop a greasy film.” A new Purple Clay Teapot enthusiast, after reading this, became even more carefree about maintaining his Teapot, thinking that since its breathability is so good, he didn't need to be so meticulous.

He went on a long trip, and the purple clay teapot was unused for several months. Upon his return, he eagerly took out his beloved teapot and, upon opening the lid, found mold spots on the walls of the pot and an unpleasant odor.

He had intended to Brew some tea to cultivate his artistic temperament but lost interest at the sight of the mold. Even if he cleaned it, there would still be a lingering psychological effect. At this point, he wondered: How did it mold? Can I still use the teapot to brew tea after it has molded?

I will explain here that the appearance of mold on a purple clay teapot is generally due to one of the following scenarios.

After a period of non-use, you open your purple clay teapot and find mold spots. Some people think that because purple clay is breathable, it should not mold.

The appearance of mold on a purple clay teapot does not mean the clay is impure; it is often due to dampness and improper cleaning.

Possibility One: After washing the teapot, the enthusiast did not wait for it to completely dry before closing the lid, leading to stagnant water inside the pot, which retained moisture and prevented air circulation. This created an ideal environment for mold growth.

Possibility Two: High humidity in the air. In February and March, it is the rainy season in southern China, with very high humidity in the air. If the space is not well-ventilated, improperly stored purple clay teapots can also mold.

How to clean mold spots:

Procedure: Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot until it is thoroughly heated, then pour out the water and fill it with cold boiled water. Repeat this process several times to remove both the mold spots and the moldy smell.

Why does this method remove mold spots and the moldy smell?

This is because purple clay itself has unique breathability and shrinkage properties. When exposed to alternating hot and cold temperatures, it behaves like human skin pores, contracting and expanding.

You can also add baking soda to the water, which can help eliminate odors. Purple clay teapots should not come into contact with oil or be cleaned with chemicals; only clean cloths or sponges should be used.

Although the first method can solve most mold problems, some enthusiasts report that the tea still tastes strange after brewing.

This is because the spout is often overlooked during cleaning, allowing tea residue to accumulate. Even after repeated cleanings, the spout may still have an odor. You can purchase a spout brush to clean it properly.

What is the best way to store a teapot that has been used but is not currently needed, to prevent mold?

Many teapot lovers have more than just one or two teapots, but storing multiple teapots on a tea table can lead to accidental damage. After using a teapot for a while, it's best to let it rest, and there should be a specific maintenance approach for teapots that are not currently in use.

Some might think, “Do I really need to go through all this trouble just to store a teapot?” However, it's important to at least ensure the teapot is thoroughly cleaned and no tea residue remains inside.

Some simply wash the teapot and put it back in the original brocade box, but this is not recommended.

Storing a purple clay teapot in a brocade box prevents air circulation, causing the tea residue to mold and produce an unpleasant odor, making storage difficult!

Therefore, I suggest the following four steps for long-term storage of a purple clay teapot:

1. Ensure that the used purple clay teapot is completely dry, without any remaining moisture. To check if the teapot is dry, place a piece of paper towel inside, close the lid, and check the paper towel the next day.

2. Do not wrap or store a still-damp teapot, as the tea residue inside could easily mold.

3. Store the teapot in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp environments. Ideally, have a dedicated shelf for your teapots.

People often set aside items for various reasons, including purple clay teapots that are used for a while and then put aside. There should be a specific maintenance approach for these teapots that are not currently in use.

Even idle purple clay teapots must be maintained. A true teapot lover must learn how to care for their teapot to ensure its longevity.

If there are any copyright issues, please contact us to remove them.