Regular cleaning of Tea ware allows for a healthier enjoyment of the fragrance of tea. So, how should one correctly clean tea ware at home?

The primary principle for daily cleaning of tea ware is to do it promptly. Tea stains are easily removed right after use, preventing the formation of tea scale or bacterial growth. For items that come into contact with tea the most, such as the Teapot, fair Cup, and Teacups, the cleaning process is simple: wipe them with a detergent.

However, some tea ware can be difficult to clean, with corners and crevices that easily harbor dirt and grime, making it hard to clean the tea scale in time. In these cases, we can use everyday household items to clean them effectively.

Blind Spot 1: Spout of the Teapot

One of the hardest areas to clean is the spout of the teapot. No matter how clean the inside of the pot is, seeing unreachable stains on the spout can be quite unpleasant. This problem can be solved using common household items.

Place a piece of cloth over one end of a disposable chopstick and dip it in salt. Rub the area repeatedly. If unsure about the depth, mark it beforehand. The stains will eventually be cleaned away!

You can also use a cotton pad dipped in white vinegar, then insert it into the spout overnight and wash it off with water the next day. Alternatively, purchase a specialized cleaning brush, which is small and flexible, allowing for deep cleaning in tight spaces and more thorough results.

Blind Spot 2: Inside of the Cup

To maintain the cleanliness of tea ware, rinse it with water immediately after Drinking Tea. But what if you forget to clean it and tea scale forms?

Tea Scale Cleaning Tips (Applicable to All Tea Ware)

Toothpaste Method: Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the surface of the tea ware. Spread the toothpaste evenly with your hand or a cotton swab. After a while, rinse it clean.

Potato Method: If you're concerned about the residual smell of toothpaste, try cutting peeled potatoes into thin slices or pieces, put them into the tea ware, add hot water, and soak for about ten minutes. This will remove the tea scale.

Baking Soda Method: You can also use a small amount of baking soda instead of potatoes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub and easily remove tea scale stains.

If the tea scale is severe, consider purchasing a professional tea scale cleaner. When cleaning, treat the tea ware gently with soft tools to avoid damaging its surface.

Blind Spot 3: Tea Cloth

A tea cloth is a small square towel used to wipe away water droplets from the exterior of tea ware. Since only a small amount of tea is spilled, the cloth is usually just left to dry.

However, this method can easily lead to the growth of mold. The correct approach is to thoroughly wash the tea cloth after each use, lay it flat to dry, and disinfect it weekly with detergent. It should also be replaced every three months.

Blind Spot 4: Tea Strainer

The tea strainer filters out tea leaves and is especially important for those who prefer a smooth taste. Over time, the strainer can become clogged and discolored, so regular cleaning is necessary.

In addition to frequently rinsing with boiling water, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in baking soda to carefully brush the strainer. Note that the toothbrush should be unused.

Some tea strainers have removable screens, and DIY solutions using fine mesh can be helpful. Choose a densely woven mesh and secure the edges with string.

Blind Spot 5: Tea Tray

When it comes to cleaning tea ware, the tea tray is often overlooked. Most tea trays are made of wood or stone. Wooden tea trays require professional cleaners and should not be excessively wet. Rinse with warm water and absorb the moisture with a dry cotton cloth, preferably placing it in a well-ventilated area.

Stone tea trays can be cleaned by rinsing multiple times with warm water, then brushing with a soft-bristled brush dipped in mild toothpaste or dish soap.

Compared to cleaning, daily maintenance is even more important for tea ware. Regularly soaking in warm water and allowing natural air drying can make the surface of the tea ware smoother and more lustrous over time.