Cars are indispensable tools in our daily lives, and it's common knowledge that they require regular maintenance. But did you know that Purple Clay Teapots, as tools for brewing tea, also need to be maintained?
The maintenance of a Purple Clay Teapot goes beyond just nurturing the teapot; nurturing is only one very important aspect. The care of a Purple Clay Teapot should start from the moment you get it. A seasoned player in the world of Purple Clay Teapots needs to learn how to maintain their teapot. The more affection you pour into it, the more charming it becomes.
I. Upon receiving it
Don't blindly follow various strange methods for inaugurating your teapot found online. Clean the new teapot inside and out. Then rinse it several times with hot water, and it's ready to Brew tea.
Note: In winter, take precautions against cracking by warming up the teapot with lukewarm water before rinsing it with hot water.
II. Before brewing tea
Before each use, rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. This serves three purposes: removing mold, disinfecting, and warming the teapot.
III. Nurturing the teapot
When nurturing your teapot, remain calm and collected. Don't nurture your teapot just for the sake of it. Continuously pouring tea over it or vigorously wiping it with a cloth will have the opposite effect.
IV. After Drinking Tea
After drinking tea, clean the teapot promptly. Some enthusiasts believe leaving the tea in the teapot after drinking helps maintain the Purple Clay Teapot.
Don't do this. While Purple Clay Teapots may not go bad overnight during winter, try it in summer and see if it doesn't sour! Besides, doing so is unhygienic. Clean the teapot thoroughly after drinking tea to keep its interior and exterior clean and fresh. Only then can the teapot develop an even patina.
V. Storing the teapot
This is a commonly discussed issue, but it boils down to these three points:
1. Avoid contamination
Avoid storing Purple Clay Teapots in places with excessive grease or dust. Instead, store them in a well-ventilated and dry area.
2. Avoid chemical cleansers
Purple Clay Teapots should not be cleaned with dish soap or other chemical cleansers, as these can strip away the patina and impart the taste of the cleanser to the teapot.
Next time you brew tea, bubbles from the dish soap might appear in the teapot, ruining both the teapot and the tea. The correct way to clean a Purple Clay Teapot is with odorless and colorless baking soda, or simply wipe it with a clean, oil-free (preferably brand new) sponge.
3. Keep away from children and pets
From personal experience, never place your Purple Clay Teapot where children or pets can reach it, especially if you have a cat at home. Remember to keep your teapot safely stored away.