When it comes to buying and maintaining a purple clay Teapot, opinions vary widely, and some even resort to unconventional methods, leaving newcomers feeling lost and confused.

However, there's no need for such confusion or panic!

Just follow these tips:

1. Consider the Purpose of the Teapot:

If you're using the teapot primarily for Drinking Tea and not for collecting, there's little difference between fully handmade and semi-handmade pots. Don't obsess over whether it's fully handmade or not; what matters most is that you like it!

2. Ignoring Sounds When Assessing Quality:

The idea of judging the quality of a purple clay teapot by its sound is nonsense. Not everything found on Baidu is accurate! Striking a teapot can actually cause harm. Different types of clay produce different sounds, and a new teapot will sound different before and after being used to brew tea.

3. Thorough Initial Preparation:

When you first prepare your teapot, be thorough in removing any impurities or dust from inside and outside the pot. If you neglect this step, it may be too late to rectify later. The process is simple: rinse the teapot with boiling water to remove any earthy or stony odors. Letting the teapot steep in tea, using sugar cane, tofu, or other methods suggested online are just myths.

4. Avoid Contaminants:

Keep the teapot away from places with smoke, strong odors (both pleasant and unpleasant), or excessive dust. This will affect the color and texture of the teapot and the quality of the tea brewed in it.

5. Rotate Your Teapots:

If you drink tea frequently, consider using several teapots in rotation so that each one gets a rest. It's also true that using a single teapot for a specific type of tea makes sense, as purple clay teapots absorb flavors. Using one teapot for one type of tea prevents flavor mixing.

6. Clean Thoroughly After Each Use:

Drink all the tea and thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the teapot after use. Wipe it dry, leave the lid open, and let it air-dry upside down until completely dry. Avoid leaving tea in the teapot after drinking, and clean it with hot water instead. This is similar to washing dishes after eating, as it helps maintain the appearance and brewing performance of the teapot.

7. Post-Brewing Maintenance:

After each brewing session, remove the tea leaves and rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Wipe the exterior with a cloth, keep the lid open, and let it air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.

8. Don't Drink Just to Maintain the Teapot:

Let things happen naturally and take your time. There's no rush. Enjoy your tea and life.

9. Maintain a Calm Mindset:

Drinking tea and maintaining a teapot are both elegant activities that require peace of mind. Don't hold onto the teapot and scrub it vigorously every time you drink tea. That's not recommended.

10. Pouring Tea Over the Teapot:

Pouring tea over the teapot has its merits, as it helps prevent color differences between the lid and body and conceals minor imperfections. For external maintenance, pour tea over the teapot, allowing it to be absorbed, then rinse with hot water and wipe clean to avoid tea stains. Different water sources can affect teapot maintenance. Bottled or jarred mineral water contains many minerals, which can leave marks if not cleaned regularly.

11. Two Cloths Are Necessary:

It's useful to have two cloths – one damp for cleaning and one dry for wiping. Choose softer, more absorbent cloths that dry quickly. A small brush is also necessary for maintaining decorative teapots.

12. Avoid Oily Hands:

Avoid handling the teapot with oily hands or placing it in smoky areas. Store it in a dry place away from dust when not in use. Be sure to keep the teapot out of reach of children.

A purple clay teapot does not depreciate with use; rather, it becomes “newer” and better over time. Some people mistakenly think that a heavily patinaed teapot with layers of tea residue is well-maintained. If the teapot is of poor quality, this approach might obscure its flaws. However, if it's a high-quality teapot, this would be disrespectful to the potter, as it hides the teapot's true value.

Reminder: There's no real secret to maintaining a teapot. No shortcuts are needed. Just keep it clean, dry when not in use, and polish it regularly. Over time, through consistent use and care, it will reward you with a beautiful, smooth, and top-notch teapot. Remember, maintaining a teapot is part of the tea-drinking process, not the goal itself. Don't lose sight of what truly matters.

I've established a group for purple clay teapot enthusiasts where I share knowledge daily.

For those who truly love purple clay teapots, feel free to scan the code to add me as a friend. I'll send you a free electronic book on purple clay teapots, covering topics such as clay knowledge and how to identify authentic teapots.

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