Caring for Your Handmade Teapot

Nurturing a handmade teapot is the beginning of a long-term relationship. Because these pieces are often crafted from porous clays or delicate glazes, they require a different level of "mindfulness" than a mass-produced teapot.

Here is a guide on how to season, use, and preserve your precious piece to ensure it ages beautifully.

Before the First Infusion: "The Awakening"

A handmade teapot arrives "sleepy" from the kiln. Before your first cup, you must remove any residual kiln dust and prepare the material for heat.

• The Gentle Rinse: Rinse the teapot several times with lukewarm water. Never use dish soap. Handmade clay is porous and will absorb the scent of detergent, permanently altering the flavour of your tea
• The Tempered Soak: Place the teapot in a clean bowl and slowly pour warm water over it until submerged & let it sit for 24 hours. This hydrates the clay and prepares it for the expansion that occurs with high heat
• The Optimal Seasoning: For unglazed teapot (like Tokoname or Bizen), we would recommend a "tea bath." Brew a pot of the specific tea you plan to brew most often and let it sit for another 24 hours. This begins the "patina" process immediately
  

During Use: The Art of Handling

Handmade pieces are sensitive to sudden changes in environment. Consistency is the key to longevity.

• Prevent Thermal Shock: Never pour boiling water into a bone-dry, cold teapot. Always "prime" the pot by swirling a little warm water inside first to raise the temperature of the walls
• Mind the Lid: The lid is the most fragile part. When pouring, keep a light finger on the knob or the lid to ensure it doesn't slide off
• Filtered Water Only: Use filtered or soft water. Hard water contains minerals that can create a "scale" buildup inside the pot, which is difficult to remove from delicate handmade surfaces without scrubbing

After Use: Cleaning & Storage

The goal after a tea session is to remove moisture as efficiently as possible to prevent mold or "stale" odors.

The Cleaning Process

• Empty Immediately: Once you are finished, remove the spent leaves
• Rinse Only: Use hot water to rinse the interior. If leaves are stuck in the spout or filter, use a soft brush or a bamboo pick
• The "No-Soap" Rule: Please do not use any detergents to clean the teapot

Drying and Storage

• Air Dry Upside Down: Place the pot and lid separately on a clean, dry towel. Do not put the lid back on while the pot is damp, as this traps moisture
• The "Breathing" Space: Store your teapot in a well-ventilated area. Avoid enclosed cabinets with strong odors (like spice racks or cleaning supply closets), as the clay will drink in those scents

Pro-Tips:

The Patina Watch: The Patina Watch: Over time, unglazed clay will develop a soft luster. Do not try to scrub this off, this is the "soul" of the teapot: It is a sign of a well-loved and well-seasoned vessel