Your teaware isn’t just something you use—it’s part of your tea ritual, often made with love and tradition. Taking good care of it helps keep it looking beautiful and working well for years to come. Here are some easy, practical tips to help your favorite teapots, cups, and accessories last longer:
1. Be Gentle
Teaware, especially handmade ones, can be fragile. Always handle your teapots, cups, and gaiwans carefully to avoid chips and cracks. If they’re made of fine porcelain or glass, don’t stack them—this helps prevent breakage.
2. Clean Right After Using
Stop stains before they set in: Rinse your teaware right after using it.
Use gentle cleaners: Warm water and a soft sponge usually do the trick. Stay away from strong detergents—especially for unglazed pieces like Yixing clay.
Avoid harsh scrubbing: If you do get stains, try a little baking soda paste and a soft brush. It’ll clean without scratching.
3. Care Based on Material
Different materials need different care:
- Yixing Clay: These teapots soak up tea flavors and improve over time. Never use soap—just rinse with hot water and wipe dry.
- Porcelain & Ceramic: Easy to clean—use warm water and a touch of mild soap if needed. Don’t use rough scrubbers.
- Glass: Make sure it’s heat-resistant, and avoid sudden temperature changes (like going from hot to cold water), which can crack the glass.
4. Store the Right Way
Proper storage keeps your teaware safe and ready to use:
- Dry thoroughly: Let your teaware dry completely before putting it away to prevent mold or musty smells.
- Use dividers: For fragile pieces, add soft padding like foam or cloth to keep them from scratching or bumping into each other.
- Pick a good spot: Store in a cool, dry place—away from sunlight and moisture.
Also Read: Tea vs Coffee: Health Benefits and Brewing Gear
5. Watch the Temperature
Avoid sudden hot or cold changes. If you’re about to pour boiling water into a teapot or cup, warm it up first with some hot water. Let it cool on its own before rinsing with cold water to prevent cracks or warping.
6. Give It a Deep Clean Sometimes
For heavily used or stained pieces, a little deep cleaning goes a long way:
- Soak porcelain or glass in a mix of warm water and white vinegar to remove stubborn stains.
- For Yixing clay, just brew a pot of tea and let the tea itself gently clean the inside—no soap needed.
7. Rotate Your Collection
If you have more than one set, switch things up now and then. It helps prevent wear on one favorite item and gives you the chance to enjoy the beauty and variety of your whole collection.
Taking care of your teaware isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about respecting the art and tradition behind each piece. With just a little care, your teaware can stay lovely and useful for years.
Want to explore beautifully handcrafted teaware? Gohobi offers timeless, high-quality pieces made to last—and to make your tea moments even more special.