Simple Porcelain Teaware Caring Tips

Before Using Porcelain Teaware
    Bathe in warm salt water. Whenever you receive any teaware you should always give it a good wash before making tea in it. Adding salt to the water before first use will also help extend the life of the porcelain. No soap is needed.

While Using Porcelain Teaware
    Only use fresh hot water and do not expose to temperature extremes. Your porcelain teaware should not be heated directly with a flame. Instead, heat water in a separate pot/kettle and then add to your teaware. Also, it’s important to make sure porcelain teaware does not go from very cold to very hot, as this can cause it to crack. Slowly warm up your porcelain teaware with warm water if it is cold before filling it entirely with boiling water.

    Carefully handle with both hands. Sometimes damages to teaware, in general, can be because of pieces being handled carelessly. Using both hands is a safe bet, especially when certain teaware pieces can be larger in weight and size. Also, make sure to never grab teaware just by the spout or knobs as they may not be as sturdy to hold as a handle or base.

    Avoid wearing anything that may scratch the porcelain. This may seem like another obvious caring tip, but even something as small as a piece of jewelry (ie. rings) might scratch and damage porcelain if it rubs against the teaware when being used.

After Using Porcelain Teaware
    Hand wash each piece of the porcelain teaware separately. You don’t want to crowd the sink and risk having pieces bang one another. Some teaware may say they are dishwasher safe, but it’s always a good idea to be extra safe and wash it yourself. If you wouldn’t put your teaware in a microwave, you wouldn’t want to put it in a dishwasher, either. When washing by hand, make sure to wait until your teaware has cooled off completely and do not use any harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges. (see tips below for removing stains properly)

    Store your porcelain teaware somewhere safe. Only store your porcelain teaware when all of the pieces are completely dry. Let them air dry by simply 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 (ie. in a cabinet). Bonus if you can find a great storing spot that also allows you to display the beautiful pieces of teaware!

How to Remove Stains from Porcelain Teaware
    It’s inevitable that your teaware will eventually have visible tea stains, especially if it is bright white like this one from Fanquare. I have a simple method that I find to be the easiest way to remove those stains without harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that might damage the porcelain teaware.

    Add a small amount of baking soda and warm water directly to the stained ware, and use a soft cloth to gently scrub it clean. When it comes to cleaning a porcelain teapot in particular, you might find it difficult to get stains out of the spout. I highly recommend finding a narrow kitchen brush with gentle bristles that you can fit through the spout for a deep clean. To minimize tea stains in the future, clean your teaware directly after use with warm water.

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