How should an idle Purple Clay Teapot be stored?
In fact, many of us who collect Teapots will often encounter this problem. Typically, when we buy a new Teapot, we rinse it with tea or water to “wake up” the clay. However, when we store it in a brocade box, we often overlook one important detail, which is a big no-no for storing a purple clay teapot.
Here, I'll explain some common reasons why purple clay teapots develop mold spots:
Possibility One: After washing the teapot, the owner puts the lid back on without allowing the pot to completely dry. This leads to stagnant water inside the pot, creating a humid environment that lacks air circulation, which provides an ideal habitat for mold growth.
Possibility Two: High humidity in the air. During February and March, which are the rainy months in southern China, the air is very humid. If the space where the teapot is stored is not well-ventilated, improper storage can lead to mold formation.
How do you remove mold spots?
Procedure: Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot. When the pot is thoroughly heated, pour out the hot water and fill it with cold boiled water. Repeat this process several times. This method removes both the mold spots and the moldy smell. Some may wonder why this works. The reason lies in the unique breathability and contraction properties of the purple clay. When subjected to alternating temperatures, the clay behaves like human skin, contracting and expanding.
What if you have used a teapot for brewing tea and don't want to use it for a while but are worried about mold growth? How should you store it properly?
Many teapot enthusiasts own more than just a couple of teapots, but they might not have enough space on their tea tables to keep them all. For these teapots that aren't currently in use, there should be a specific way to care for them.
Some people might think, “Do I really need to go through all this trouble just to store a teapot?” Here's my advice: It's necessary, at least to clean the teapot thoroughly, ensuring there's no leftover tea residue inside.
Many people simply wash their teapots and place them back in the original brocade boxes. However, I don't recommend this approach. Storing a purple clay teapot in a non-breathable brocade box can cause the tea residue inside to mold and produce unpleasant odors, making it unsuitable for storage!
Therefore, I suggest following these four steps when storing a purple clay teapot long-term:
1. Ensure that the used purple clay teapot is completely air-dried, with no moisture remaining inside. To check if the teapot is dry, place a paper towel inside, close the lid, and check the paper towel the next day.
2. A teapot that still contains moisture must not be wrapped or placed in a box, as this could lead to mold growth in the tea residue.
3. Teaware should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp areas, and ideally, have a dedicated shelf for your teapots.
4. If a teapot is not going to be used for a long time, place a small amount of dry tea leaves inside. These leaves should be the same type of tea that the teapot has been used for. Periodically check if the tea leaves have become damp; if they have, remove them immediately, open the lid, and thoroughly air-dry the teapot again. This helps prevent mold growth within the teapot, as tea leaves are known to absorb moisture and odors from the air. If there are dry tea leaves inside the teapot, they will absorb any moisture entering through the spout and mouth, helping to maintain the dryness of the teapot.
Once you've completed these steps, you can store the teapot in a brocade box or on a shelf! When you're ready to use the teapot again, simply rinse it with hot water one or two times.
Many people set aside items for various reasons, and sometimes, this includes purple clay teapots. Even when idle, these teapots require special care. A true teapot enthusiast must learn how to care for their teapots to ensure their longevity.
Image Source: Chaowow Network