A Teapot enthusiast mentioned that his Purple Clay Teapot had been unused for a while. When he opened the lid, he found some mold spots on the pot's walls and it also had an odor. Although he washed it, he was concerned about mold growing inside the spout and felt uneasy. He originally wanted to enjoy Tea to cultivate his aesthetic appreciation, but the sight of these mold spots instantly put him off.

In fact, many collectors of purple clay Teapots will encounter this issue when they are not aware of how to properly store them. Typically, after purchasing 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 certain details. This is a significant no-no in storing a purple clay teapot.

Here, we explain that the appearance of mold spots on a purple clay teapot could be due to the following scenarios:

Possibility one: After washing the purple clay teapot, the owner did not wait for it to completely dry before closing the lid. This led to residual water accumulating inside, creating a damp environment with poor air circulation, which provided an ideal habitat for mold to grow, resulting in mold spots.

Possibility two: High humidity in the air. In February and March each year, it is the rainy season in southern China, where the air is extremely humid. Combined with poor ventilation, improper storage of a purple clay teapot can result in mold growth.

How do you remove “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, which will both remove the mold spots and eliminate the moldy smell. Some may ask why this method works? The reason is that the unique properties of purple clay, including its breathability and contraction, cause the clay to expand and contract like human skin pores when subjected to alternating hot and cold temperatures.

What about a teapot that has already been used for brewing tea but is not currently in use and you're worried about mold growth—how should it be stored?

Many teapot enthusiasts likely have more than one or two teapots, but storing multiple teapots on a tea table can lead to accidental bumps and damage. After using a teapot for a period of time, it's good to let it rest. For these temporarily unused purple clay teapots, there should be a specific maintenance routine.

Some people might think, “Do I really need to go through all this trouble just to store a teapot?” Here, I would say that there is still some necessity, at least to ensure the teapot is thoroughly cleaned and that no leftover tea residue remains inside.

Many enthusiasts belong to the simple school of thought and simply wash their teapots and place them back in the brocade boxes they came in. However, I do not recommend doing this. Storing a purple clay teapot in a brocade box, which is not breathable, can cause the tea residue inside the teapot to mold and develop an unpleasant odor, making it unsuitable for storage!

Therefore, it is recommended that long-term idle purple clay teapots be handled as follows:

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

2. If the teapot is still damp, it should not be wrapped up or placed in a box, as this can lead to mold growth from the tea residue inside.

3. Teapots should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in damp or poorly ventilated spaces. Ideally, have a dedicated shelf or cabinet for your teapots.

4. If a teapot is not going to be used for a long time, place a handful of dry tea leaves inside—the same type of tea that the teapot is usually used for. Periodically check if the tea leaves inside have become damp. If they are damp, immediately discard them and open the lid to thoroughly air-dry the teapot. This helps prevent mold growth from the tea residue, as we know that tea leaves easily absorb moisture and odors. Water vapor in the air can enter the teapot through the mouth and spout. If there is a layer of dry tea leaves inside, they will absorb this moisture first, helping to maintain the dryness within the teapot.

Afterward, you can store the teapot in a brocade box or on a teapot stand! When you wish to use it again, simply rinse the inside and outside of the purple clay teapot with hot water once or twice!

People often set aside items for various reasons, much like some purple clay teapots that are used for a period of time and then left idle. There should be a specific care routine for these temporarily unused purple clay teapots. Even idle purple clay teapots require care, and any true lover of teapots must learn how to properly care for them to ensure their longevity.