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Washing teaware
Tea lovers know that brewing and serving tea is an art that requires the right tools, including teaware.
Porcelain, clay, glass, and silver are all popular materials for teaware, but knowing how to clean and store them properly can be a challenge.
In this ultimate guide, we'll provide tips on washing and storing your teaware to keep it looking beautiful and in great condition for years to come.
Washing Teaware:
When it comes to washing teaware, the first thing to remember is that handwashing is the best option.
If you have a lot of pieces to wash, it's best to wash each separately to prevent them from banging into each other and potentially breaking.
Even if your teaware is labelled dishwasher-safe, handwashing is always better to avoid any potential damage.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges, and wait until your teaware has cooled down completely before washing.
Additionally, never use soap to wash your teaware, as it can impart unfavourable flavours on delicate teaware. Instead, opt for a quick rinse with hot water.
If your teaware needs a little extra cleaning, the tea cloth method works well with any teaware material.
Wrap a damp cloth around your finger and scrub the teaware until it's clean.
You may need to apply some pressure to get it clean, especially for tougher stains, but still, try to be gentle, especially with fragile teaware.
Use spent tea leaves (preferably green or white, which have the least amount of tannin) to scrub off any buildup for stubborn stains. The tea leaves can also help remove odours and freshen the teaware.
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Can You Use Soap on Teaware?
Contrary to popular belief, using soap on teaware is not recommended. Soaps and detergents can impart unfavourable flavours on delicate teaware.
However, certain teaware, such as plain white glazed porcelain, can be cleaned with soap, abrasives, and bleach and can even be cleaned in a dishwasher.
But this only applies to unglazed or decorated porcelain, especially not hand-painted porcelain.
Storing Teaware:
Storing teaware properly is just as important as washing it correctly. First, ensure that all pieces are completely dry before storing them—Air-dry your teaware by placing it on a drying rack or mat.
Find a safe storage spot away from dust and other things that may cause damage, such as a cabinet.
Displaying Your Teaware
If you're looking for a great storage spot to display your beautiful pieces of teaware, consider using a tea tray.
A tea tray can hold your teaware and other tea accessories like a tea infuser, sugar bowl, and milk jug. It can also serve as a serving tray for entertaining guests.
Storing Porous Teaware
Ceramic and clay teaware can be porous and absorb flavours easily, allowing them to develop their charm and richness over time as tea lovers use them with particular teas.
Many tea lovers will save a particular teapot or tea cup for a certain style of tea, allowing that style to gradual flavour the teapot over many sessions.
The best way to store porous teaware is on a Kusenaoshi (chasen holder). If you don't have a holder, keep it looking upward.
Storing it that way may cause it to "close up". In that case, dampen it with running water and gently unfold it using your fingers. Never do that while dry!
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Storing Lacquerware
Lacquerware
Teaware Care Guide: How to Clean and Store Your Teaware
Tea is not just a beverage; it's a culture. And teaware is an essential part of this culture.
Whether you're a tea enthusiast or enjoy a warm cup, taking care of your teaware is crucial.
This guide will cover the best practices for cleaning and storing your teaware to ensure it stays in top condition.
Cleaning Your Teaware
Cleaning your teaware is an important step in maintaining its longevity and functionality. Here are some tips on how to clean your teaware properly:
Hand Wash Your Teaware
It's best to hand wash each piece of porcelain teaware separately. You want to avoid crowding the sink and risk having the pieces bang against each other.
While some teaware may say they are dishwasher safe, it's always a good idea to be extra safe and wash it yourself. If you didn't put your teaware in a microwave, you wouldn't want to put it in a dishwasher.
Wait Until Teaware Has Cooled Off Completely
When washing by hand, wait until your teaware has cooled off completely. Please do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges, as they can damage the teaware. Instead, opt for a soft cloth or sponge.
Avoid Soap
Any tea advice blog you turn to will say the same thing:
Never use soap to wash your teaware.
Soaps and detergents can impart unfavourable flavours on delicate teaware.
Usually, a quick rinse with hot water should suffice. However, what about when our teaware needs a little extra cleaning?
Try the Tea Cloth Method
The tea cloth method works well with any teaware material, be it a porcelain, glazed/unglazed clay, glass, or silver. T
ake a cloth (ideally one you already reserve for tea ceremonies and the like), wrap it around your finger, dampen it, and scrub the teaware until it's clean.
You may need to apply some pressure to get it clean, especially for tougher stains, but still, try to be gentle, especially with fragile teaware.
Use Tea Leaves to Remove Stains
Use spent tea leaves (preferably green or white, which have the least amount of tannin) to scrub off any buildup for stubborn stains.
The tea leaves can help remove odours and freshen the teaware.
Use Soap Only for Certain Teaware
Certain teaware, namely those made from plain white glazed porcelain, can be cleaned with soap, abrasives, and bleach and can even be cleaned in a dishwasher.
However, this only applies to unglazed or decorated porcelain, especially not hand-painted porcelain.
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Storing Your Teaware
Proper storage of your teaware is just as important as proper cleaning. Here are some tips on how to store your teaware:
Store Your Porcelain Teaware Somewhere Safe
Store your porcelain teaware somewhere safe. Only store your porcelain teaware when all the pieces are completely dry.
Let them air dry by placing them on a drying rack or mat.
Find somewhere that your porcelain teaware can live, away from dust and other things that may accidentally cause damage (i.e., in a cabinet).
Bonus if you can find a great storing spot to display the beautiful pieces of teaware!
Use a Kusenaoshi (Chasen Holder) for Best Storage
The best way to store your teaware is on a Kusenaoshi (chasen holder). If you don't have a holder, keep it looking upward.
Conclusion:
Washing and storing your teaware properly is essential to maintain its quality and durability, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tea for years.
Hand washing porcelain teaware is recommended, as dishwashers can be too harsh and cause damage.
Using soap or detergents is not recommended, as they can affect the flavour of your tea, but a quick rinse with hot water is usually sufficient.
Using tea leaves or a tea cloth method can help remove buildup and odours for tougher stains.
When storing teaware, porcelain should be stored in a safe and dry place, while lacquerware prefers a slightly humid environment.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your teaware stays in top condition and that you can enjoy your favourite tea in style.
So, now that you know how to care for your teaware properly, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of your favourite tea in your beautiful and well-maintained teaware. Happy sipping!