I have one tokoname kyusu that i got for free, it's still nice and sure would like to use it myself. It's not glazed, any tips on how best to clean it? Would like to remove some deposits and stains after long heavy use.
And for future general tips are also welcome, for example if glaze has stains. If i know what i can clean off, can search for some nice old pieces that are not used anymore. I've passed on several pieces, because didn't know if i can clean it off or not.
Jun 24th, '12, 12:23
Vendor Member
Posts: 438
Joined: Jan 7th, '11, 04:25
Location: Japan, Nagasaki
Contact:
Xell
Re: Cleaning used teaware
You can soak it in a bleach solution, then in hot water, then in hot water with some tea leaves.
That will clean out any organic gunk in the pot then remove all of the bleach smell.
That will clean out any organic gunk in the pot then remove all of the bleach smell.
Re: Cleaning used teaware
Baking soda and/or tooth paste?
I find that toothpaste alone, for example, and a regular toothbrush removes tea stains and whatever other tea buildup there may be with ease.
I find that toothpaste alone, for example, and a regular toothbrush removes tea stains and whatever other tea buildup there may be with ease.
Jun 24th, '12, 13:58
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Re: Cleaning used teaware
If the deposits are in the pot, I will sometimes use a dry, somewhat stiff brush which knocks off a lot. Care needs to be taken around the screen, but the screen holes can be cleared often this way.
The spout, I do the same with a dry, tiny bottlebrush and get down to the screen with it. Again, care around the screen.
It is amazing how much gunk will just flake off or turn to dust.
Then rinse thoroughly. Then I assess the condition before taking the next step. I may repeat using just hot water and the brush method.
I personally have never had to use bleach nor vinegar on a kyusu.
The spout, I do the same with a dry, tiny bottlebrush and get down to the screen with it. Again, care around the screen.
It is amazing how much gunk will just flake off or turn to dust.
Then rinse thoroughly. Then I assess the condition before taking the next step. I may repeat using just hot water and the brush method.
I personally have never had to use bleach nor vinegar on a kyusu.
Jun 24th, '12, 14:01
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Re: Cleaning used teaware
I recently found denture powder that is pretty much the same as tablets sans flavorings which could linger ... I use this on mostly glazed pieces including a few Hagi I wanted to "reset."
Jun 26th, '12, 10:41
Vendor Member
Posts: 438
Joined: Jan 7th, '11, 04:25
Location: Japan, Nagasaki
Contact:
Xell
Re: Cleaning used teaware
Going to try using oxiclean, seems it's safe and effective to use on all kinds of pottery.
Jun 29th, '12, 03:51
Vendor Member
Posts: 438
Joined: Jan 7th, '11, 04:25
Location: Japan, Nagasaki
Contact:
Xell
Re: Cleaning used teaware
Got different oxygen bleach, if not mistaken pure sodium percarbonate without additions and was even cheaper than OxiClean 
I was really surprised at how effective this thing is, non glazed kyusu looks as new, different glazed piece, that had dark deposits in glaze cracks from only one side almost completely cured. Still in process of soaking, but already impressed. This also should not leave any weird smells after cleaning.
I was really surprised at how effective this thing is, non glazed kyusu looks as new, different glazed piece, that had dark deposits in glaze cracks from only one side almost completely cured. Still in process of soaking, but already impressed. This also should not leave any weird smells after cleaning.