How to Care for Tea Pets? Before and After Comparison of Tea Pets

The images shown below feature a brand new tea pet and one that has been nurtured for nine months. It is clearly evident that after nine months of care, the tea pet has developed a warmer and more lustrous appearance.

How to Speed Up Patina Formation on Tea Pets?

Nurturing a tea pet is not a process to be rushed. It requires time and proper maintenance methods. However you can use a few tips to speed up the patina formation.

You can pour fully fermented teas such as ripe Pu’er tea and black tea over the tea pet. These teas have higher levels of tea polyphenols and minerals which can penetrate the material more quickly and accelerate the patina formation process.

In addition you should increase the frequency of nurturing your tea pet. Make it a habit to pour tea liquor over it and wipe it down every time you enjoy tea so that the tea pet can continuously absorb the tea components.

When wiping the tea pet use a consistent clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This helps distribute the tea liquor evenly across every part of the tea pet resulting in a more uniform patina.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can tea pets be cleaned with detergents or similar cleaning products?

A: It is not recommended. Chemical cleaners such as detergents can leave chemical residues in the pores of the tea pet. This will not only damage the patina formed by tea liquor but also may cause unpleasant odors. If there are stubborn tea stains on the surface of the tea pet, soak it in warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush. After scrubbing, soak the tea pet in tea liquor once to repair the slightly damaged patina layer.

Q: Do different types of tea have an impact on the nurturing effect of tea pets?

A: Yes they do. Teas with high fermentation degrees such as ripe Pu’er tea and black tea can speed up the nurturing process and produce a thicker patina color. Teas with low fermentation degrees such as green tea and white tea have light tea liquor so the nurturing process is slower and the patina color is relatively fresh and light. It is recommended to stick to nurturing with one or two similar types of tea. Avoid frequent switching between different tea types which may lead to mixed colors and uneven patina.

Q: What should I do if the tea pet shows uneven color during the nurturing process?

A: This is most likely caused by the tea pet not being evenly exposed to tea liquor or not being wiped thoroughly. Later on after pouring tea liquor over the tea pet wipe it evenly with a soft cloth every time and extend the soaking time in tea liquor. If the color difference is very obvious you can also soak the tea pet in tea liquor for one hour then take it out and wipe it evenly. Keep doing this for one to two weeks and the situation will gradually improve.

Q: Why do tea pets crack?

A: This is mainly caused by thermal expansion and contraction or dryness of the material. Pouring hot tea liquor directly on a new tea pet without soaking it in warm water first long term exposure to sunlight and contact with hot water when the temperature is low in winter can all cause tea pets to crack. In daily nurturing avoid sudden temperature changes. New tea pets must be fully soaked in warm water usually for one hour. When not in use place them in a cool and well ventilated area.

Q: Can tea pets be poured with boiling water directly?

A: It is not recommended to do so. Whether it is a new tea pet or one that has been nurtured for some time pouring boiling water with excessively high temperature directly on it is very likely to cause the tea pet to crack or damage the glaze on the surface. It is recommended to use tea liquor at a temperature of 85 to 95 degrees Celsius for pouring.

Q: How long does it take to develop obvious patina on a tea pet?

A: This mainly depends on the material of the tea pet and the frequency of nurturing. Generally speaking with regular nurturing a purple clay tea pet will show obvious warm luster and slight patina in one to two months. Ceramic tea pets have dense materials so the patina formation is slower taking about three to four months. If the nurturing frequency is low the time required will be longer.

Q: Do tea pets have collection value?

A: Ordinary handcrafted tea pets are mainly for appreciation and enhancing the tea drinking experience and fun so their collection value is limited. Some tea pets made of high quality materials such as raw ore purple clay and crafted by renowned artists with unique designs have artistic and cultural value. The high quality patina formed through long term nurturing will further enhance their collection value. This mainly depends on the craftsmanship material and scarcity of the tea pet.

Q: What should I do if my tea pet gets moldy?

A: First judge the degree of mold. For mild mold soak the tea pet in warm water for 30 minutes then remove the mold spots with a soft brush. Pour tea liquor over it repeatedly and wipe it clean then place it in a well ventilated area to dry. Increase the nurturing frequency afterwards. If the mold is severe and the moldy smell has penetrated into the pores soak the tea pet in weak tea liquor with a ratio of tea liquor to warm water being 1 to 3 for one hour. Scrub it clean and dry it thoroughly. If the unpleasant odor still remains it is recommended to replace it with a new tea pet.