Many friends are unsure whether to use a dry or wet Tea cloth when caring for their Teapots, and which method is more beneficial for the pot.
The purpose of wiping the Teapot is to maintain its cleanliness and appearance. Every teapot is a cherished possession—would anyone want theirs to look unkempt? Due to the unique properties of purple clay and its dual-pore structure, tea oils permeate through the pores and onto the surface when the pot is used for brewing. At this point, a tea cloth is needed to ensure an even distribution of these oils across the surface, preventing uneven accumulation that could damage the pot's appearance over time.
Dry Wiping: After brewing tea, rinse the inside and outside of the teapot with water. Use a dry tea cloth to wipe the exterior clean, then place it upside down on the tea tray.
Wet Wiping: After brewing tea, rinse the inside of the teapot clean with water, then wipe the exterior clean with a damp tea cloth before using a dry cloth to finish.
Whether you choose to wipe the teapot dry or wet is entirely up to personal preference. There's no need to be overly deliberate about it; do what feels most comfortable. The goal remains the same: to keep the teapot clean and prevent the buildup of tea stains.
Another common question is whether it's okay to handle a Purple Clay Teapot with your hands. Will the oils from your skin affect the teapot's appearance?
Purple clay teapots aren't as delicate as some might think. As long as your hands aren't covered in oil from eating greasy foods, it's perfectly fine to handle the teapot. However, there's no need to constantly wipe it; doing so can be tiring, and enjoying a teapot should be a refined and relaxing experience. There's no need to deliberately wipe it excessively.
Additionally, if you have applied skincare products to your hands, it's not recommended to handle the teapot, as everyone knows that purple clay teapots absorb odors. If the scent of skincare products lingers on the teapot during tea brewing, it won't be pleasant.
Caring for a teapot is a natural process. There's no need to wipe it excessively; simply keeping the surface clean is sufficient.