“After crude molds are fired, each reveals its remarkable quality. Though seemingly made of clay, they emit a metallic or jade-like sound when struck,” this is a five-character verse by the Qing Dynasty scholar Zheng Banqiao, succinctly conveying the charm and spirit of purple clay Teapots.
A lump of purple clay, after being shaped by skilled craftsmen into a work of art, experiences its first life; later, it becomes a cherished vessel for Tea connoisseurs, who through continuous care, give it a second life. Whether a purple clay Teapot can flourish with a second life depends on the owner's care. So, how do you know if your nurturing efforts are effective?
“Daily handling of a contented teapot, Green Tea leaves and fragrant blossoms soothe the stomach,” nurturing a teapot not only benefits one's health but also brings joy in seeing the pot gradually develop a lustrous appearance. 
So, how exactly can you nurture it to achieve the desired effect? Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Basic Principles for Nurturing a Teapot
1. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the teapot before and after each use.
2. Moderate wiping: dry or wet.
Dry wipe: After brewing tea, rinse the teapot inside and out with water, then use a dry tea towel to wipe the exterior dry and place it upside down on the tea tray. 
Wet wipe: After brewing tea, rinse the interior of the teapot clean, wipe the exterior clean with a damp tea towel, and then use a dry tea towel to finish.
3. After using the teapot, wash it and let it air-dry to maintain its “natural breathing.”
4. Use one teapot for one type of tea, maintaining purity and exclusivity.
5. Avoid contact with oil and grease; hands that have touched oil must be thoroughly washed before handling the teapot. Similarly, avoid handling the teapot with hands that have lotion or skincare products on them.
6. Promptly remove tea residue after each brewing session for the benefit of both the teapot and your health.
7. Allow the teapot occasional periods of rest before using it again.
Basic Methods for Nurturing a Teapot
1. Before Brewing Tea
First, rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water (be cautious during winter and warm the teapot first). This serves to warm the teapot, eliminate any musty smell, and sterilize it. The tea juices nourish the exterior, and the oils and pigments in the tea will slowly and persistently affect the teapot. 
2. During Brewing
When brewing tea, the high temperature causes the teapot's pores to slightly expand, and water vapor covers the entire teapot. Take advantage of every break between brews to wipe the teapot clean with a clean, damp cloth (one with good absorbency) and then gently polish it with a soft, dry cloth. Consistency will make the teapot develop a warm and lustrous texture.
3. After Brewing
After each brewing session, remove all tea leaves and water from the teapot, rinse it inside and out with hot water, clean it thoroughly, and let it air-dry. Do not use chemical cleaners; otherwise, they could mix with the teapot's retained aroma and affect its luster and texture.
Details Often Overlooked When Nurturing a Teapot
1. Inner Wall: Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe around the inner wall, including the bottom, rim, and spout.
2. Exterior: Pay special attention to the bottom, lid, and spout. 
3. The rim of the lid, along the seam: Wipe this area carefully, as it is where tea stains most often appear during the nurturing process.
Common Issues in Daily Maintenance
1. Accumulated Tea Scale
Suggest using a sponge dipped in salt to scrub it off easily. The buildup of tea scale affects the breathability of the purple clay teapot, so regular cleaning and periodic deep cleaning are equally important.
2. Uneven Color
In southern regions, where “Kung Fu tea” is popular, teapots are often placed in tea bowls or tea trays and rinsed with boiling water, causing the teapot to float in hot water. This method of rinsing, where the bottom of the teapot is submerged, can easily lead to the formation of tea scale or tea stain lines. 
If this occurs and cannot be wiped away with a tea towel, try using household salt to gently scrub the affected area. If that doesn't work, consider reconditioning the teapot (avoid sudden temperature changes), submerging both the teapot and lid in clear water (make sure they are fully submerged), adding some tea leaves, and simmering over low heat until it cools naturally. Then clean it thoroughly.
3. Contact with Grease
Avoid placing purple clay teapots in areas with smoke or oil. The double-pore breathability of the teapot means that oil can stick to it and be difficult to remove, eventually resulting in an unsightly “faded shine.” If children touch the teapot with oily hands and dirty it, consider reconditioning the teapot (avoid sudden temperature changes) and boiling it in clear water with tea leaves to gradually expel the oil from the pores.
4. Absorption of Odd Smells
Once a purple clay teapot absorbs an odd smell, it is challenging to remove. Place it in a non-oily rice cooker and simmer over low heat, ensuring the teapot and lid are separated. Most of the minor odors should disappear, and for more severe cases, steep the teapot in tea for two to three days (do not Drink the water). Most of the smell will gradually dissipate. (Note: For red clay teapots, avoid sudden temperature changes and handle them with care; reconditioning can be a good option.)
5. Molding During Long-Term Storage
Some teapot owners may neglect to remove tea residue promptly, which can cause the teapot to mold and develop an unpleasant smell when unused for extended periods. Suggest filling the teapot with boiling water, shaking it several times, and pouring it out repeatedly until the moldy smell is completely gone. (Avoid sudden temperature changes.)
“A single teapot brews ancient sentiments, with unity lasting for thousands of years; those who often judge right and wrong are not fit to be tea drinkers.”
Tea nurtures the teapot, and the teapot nurtures the tea; clay nurtures people, and people nurture the clay. To properly nurture a teapot requires time and the development of good habits by the user.
Nurturing a purple clay teapot is not something achieved overnight, and rushing the process should be avoided. As long as you follow the correct methods, the teapot will eventually radiate a lustrous glow like fine jade.