A Teapot enthusiast left a message saying that his Purple Clay Teapot, which had not been used for some time, had developed mold spots on the inner walls when he opened the lid, and it also had an odor. Although he washed it, he was still concerned about possible mold growth inside the spout and had certain reservations. He originally wanted to indulge in Tea brewing as a way to cultivate his artistic temperament, but upon seeing the mold spots, his mood instantly soured.

In fact, many collectors of Teapots may encounter this issue when they are unaware of the proper storage methods. Typically, when we buy a new teapot, we rinse it with tea or water to “awaken” the clay. However, when storing it in a brocade box, we often overlook a crucial detail. This is a significant no-no when it comes to storing a purple clay teapot.

Here, I will explain that the appearance of mold spots on a purple clay teapot can generally be attributed to the following situations:

Possibility one: After washing the teapot, the enthusiast did not wait for it to completely dry before closing the lid. This led to stagnant water inside the pot, creating a damp environment with poor air circulation, thereby providing an ideal habitat for mold growth, resulting in the formation of mold spots.

Possibility two: High humidity in the air. During the rainy season in southern China in February and March, the air is very humid. Combined with poor ventilation, improperly stored purple clay teapots can develop mold.

How to remove the “mold spots”?

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

Some people might ask, why does this method work to remove mold spots and the moldy smell? The reason lies in the unique breathability and shrinkage properties of purple clay. When subjected to alternating hot and cold temperatures, the clay behaves similarly to human skin, contracting and expanding like pores.

For teapots that have already been used for brewing tea but are temporarily unused and you want to avoid mold growth, how should they be stored?

Many teapot enthusiasts likely own more than just one or two teapots. With multiple teapots on the tea table, there's a risk of them bumping into each other and getting damaged. Therefore, after using a teapot for a period of time, it needs a rest. There should be specific care routines for these teapots that are not currently in use.

Some people might think, “Do I really need to go through all this trouble just to store a teapot?” Here, I would say that it is somewhat necessary. At the very least, make sure to clean the teapot thoroughly, leaving no tea residue inside.

Many enthusiasts belong to the simple school of thought and simply wash the teapot and place it back in the brocade box it came with. However, I do not recommend doing this. Storing a purple clay teapot in a brocade box means it is not well-ventilated, and the tea stains inside the teapot can easily become moldy and produce an unpleasant odor, making it unsuitable for storage!

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

1. Ensure that the used teapot is completely air-dried; there must be no moisture remaining inside. To check if the teapot is dry, place a piece of tissue paper inside, close the lid, and check the paper the next day.

2. A teapot that is still damp must not be wrapped up or placed in a box, as this can lead to mold growth from the tea stains inside.

3. Teapots should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. They should not be kept in a damp environment. Ideally, have a special shelf at home dedicated to storing teapots.

4. For teapots that are not used for extended periods, place a handful of dry tea leaves inside. These leaves should be the same type of tea that the teapot has been used for. Periodically check if the tea leaves inside the teapot have become damp. If they are damp, immediately remove the tea leaves, open the lid, and thoroughly air-dry the teapot again. The benefit of this approach is to prevent mold growth from the tea stains. We know that tea leaves easily absorb moisture and odors. There is always some level of moisture in the air, which can enter the teapot through the lid and spout. If there is a handful of dry tea leaves inside the teapot, they will absorb this moisture first, helping to maintain the dryness within the teapot.

After following these steps, you can store the teapot in a brocade box or on a teapot stand! When you use the teapot again, simply rinse it with hot water one or two times!

People often idle items for various reasons, much like some purple clay teapots that are set aside after being used for a while. For these teapots that are not currently in use, there should be specific care routines. Even idle purple clay teapots must be maintained. A true teapot enthusiast must learn the proper methods for maintaining their teapots to ensure their longevity.

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