If your teapot has developed a brown film or cloudy white patches inside, don’t panic—it’s common. These are usually:

• Tannin stains from strong teas

• Limescale from mineral-rich water

Let’s explore how to deal with them effectively, depending on your teapot’s material.

? For Glass and Porcelain Teapots

These teapots can handle deeper cleaning:

? Lemon + Baking Soda Method

1. Squeeze half a lemon into the pot

2. Add 1 tsp of baking soda

3. Pour in hot water and let sit for 20–30 minutes

4. Scrub gently and rinse

This removes stains without harsh chemicals.

? Vinegar Soak (for limescale)

• Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water

• Fill teapot and let sit for 1 hour

• Rinse thoroughly and air dry

⚠️ Avoid this for Yixing clay teapots—it will damage the clay.

? For Yixing (Zisha) Teapots

Porous teapots require a gentler approach.

? Hot Water Rinse + Cloth Wipe

• Rinse with hot water

• Gently wipe with a soft cloth (never scrub)

• Avoid any acid, soap, or baking soda

Staining is natural and even desirable in Yixing teapots—it enhances the pot’s patina over time.

⚫ For Cast Iron Teapots

Most are enamel-lined inside:

• Use only warm water and soft cloth

• For limescale, gently wipe with a vinegar-dampened cloth (do not soak)

• Dry thoroughly to prevent rust

Treat your teapot as you would a musical instrument—clean, consistent care brings out its best performance.