How to Clean and Maintain an Yixing Teapot

Yixing zisha teapots are exceptional vessels for brewing tea. They enhance the flavor of the tea liquor, and with long-term proper nurturing, the teapot will gradually develop a warm, lustrous patina. Proper daily care can extend the service life of your zisha teapot, while enriching its patina and mellowing the tea aroma. In this article, we will share simple and professional tips for cleaning and maintaining your Yixing zisha teapot.

If you do not yet own a zisha teapot, or wish to add one to your collection, you are welcome to browse our Yixing Zisha Teapot Collection.

Daily Care Tips for Yixing Zisha Teapots

1.Care After Daily Use

After brewing tea, discard the tea leaves and rinse the inside of the teapot with warm water to remove residual leaves. Keep the interior and exterior of the teapot clean, then let it air dry naturally.

Some tea lovers like to keep their teapot warm by placing it in a dish filled with hot water. While this method works well, we do not recommend it, as it will cause uneven coloring on the teapot over time.

2.Key Teapot Maintenance Principles

Follow the principle of nurturing the teapot with tea. Do not apply any additional oils. Brew the same type of tea consistently to allow the teapot to fully absorb the aroma and nutrients of the tea, gradually forming a smooth patina. The clay of a zisha teapot absorbs tea fragrance and releases it in subsequent brews. Therefore, it is best to use one Yixing zisha teapot exclusively for one type of tea. Avoid switching tea types frequently to prevent mixed aromas from affecting the patina and the taste of the brewed tea.

3.Care for Long-Term Storage

Thoroughly clean and dry the teapot, wiping away all moisture from the inside and outside. Wrap the teapot body and lid in a clean soft cloth, then store it in a dry and well-ventilated cabinet. Avoid humidity, impacts and pressure to prevent cracking or mold growth.

How to Clean a Yixing Zisha Teapot

1.Basic Daily Cleaning

After each use, rinse the inside and outside of the teapot with warm water to remove tea residue and stains. For stubborn residue, gently scrub with a soft brush to avoid scratching the surface.

Do not use hard brushes, steel wool or other abrasive tools to scrub the teapot, and do not clean it in a dishwasher or sterilizer, as this will scratch the teapot and damage its clay structure.

Never clean the teapot with chemical detergents. This will strip the tea aroma absorbed by the teapot, leave behind detergent odors, and dull its luster.

2.Cleaning Stubborn Tea Stains

Soak the teapot in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the stains. Gently scrub with a soft brush, repeating as needed until clean. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, dry with a cloth, and air dry in a cool and well-ventilated area. Avoid damp spaces to prevent mold.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zisha Teapot Cleaning and Maintenance

Q: How should I clean and care for a brand new Yixing zisha teapot?

A: When you get a new zisha teapot, first gently scrub the inside and outside with warm water and a soft brush to remove dust and residual clay. Then add tea leaves and hot water, and soak for 10 to 15 minutes to eliminate the clay smell and let the tea aroma infuse the teapot. Discard the leaves and tea liquor, rinse with warm water, and it is ready to use.

Q: How can I prevent my zisha teapot from cracking?

A: Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as pouring cold water into a teapot just filled with boiling water. Handle the teapot gently to avoid impacts. Dry it completely after cleaning, and protect it from moisture when not in use for long periods. This prevents cracking caused by humidity or extreme temperature differences.

Q: How do I remove unpleasant odors from my zisha teapot?

A: Soak the teapot in warm water for 30 minutes. Add a small amount of weak tea of the same type you normally brew, let it sit for 10 minutes, then discard. Rinse with warm water, dry, and air out in a ventilated space. Repeat 2 to 3 times to remove odors.

Q: How do I remove tea stains and mold from my zisha teapot?

A: Add a small amount of edible salt to warm water, soak the teapot for 20 minutes, then gently scrub the moldy areas with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and air dry in a ventilated area. Keep the teapot dry going forward to prevent mold from returning.

Q: How do I store a Yixing zisha teapot long term?

A: Before long-term storage, clean the teapot thoroughly, discard any leftover tea, and rinse with warm water. Wipe all moisture from the inside and outside with a dry cloth to ensure no water remains. Wrap the teapot body and lid in a clean soft cloth or rice paper, then store in a dry, well-ventilated and cool cabinet. Check periodically for mold or moisture and air it out as needed.