Cleaning Teapots

[plant partaker]

What is used to clean the teapots? I was thinking of using vinegar, but I was wondering if there is a better method. I know they use vinegar to clean coffee brewers.

[chingwa]

vinegar has such a strong aroma I would be very wary of putting it in a teapot.... especially a clay or porous teapot. I've read recommendations on this board of using baking soda and water but honestly for me, hot hot water and a soft bristled tooth brush is all I've ever needed.

[Chip]

Yeah, only use venegar for a fully glazed pot!

Unglazed pots develop desirable build-ups. Little needs to be done to maintain them except hot water rinsing and thorough drying ... leaving the lid off for longer than you think necessary. Sometimes the spout will need a good bottle brushing however.

[Victoria]

What type of pots are you wanting to clean? Made from what material?

[skilfautdire]

Why would you clean a teapot in the first place ?

[plant partaker]

Excuse my ignorance, but I have a banko teapot. The reason I would clean it, is to keep it functioning at its highest capacity.

[Victoria]

It's ok, we all start somewhere.
Chip and Chingwa answered it best.

Hot water and a brush if you feel you need to, but
building it up inside, use after use, is a desirable thing.

[plant partaker]

Even if I use it for different teas? I use it only for greens but all kinds of greens.

[Victoria]

Yes, that's fine.

There is an old tale associated with yixing pots, that
they build up over the years of use, that someday,
you can just add water, and you will have tea.

[plant partaker]

Okay never mind then . I saw that you have ordered from tea masters. I sent him an email requesting a price list and he hasn't answered me . It says he's online but I'm not sure. Is he a really good vendor?

[Victoria]

His teas are excellent and he is very reputable.
He will invoice you via Paypal after you email him your
selection. He is in Taiwan, so remember the time difference.

[plant partaker]

His yahoo icon says he is online. What would you recommend I try from him? Does he have sample sizes of his teas?

[Victoria]

If you like greener oolongs, I just tried his 'Young Tree' Baozhong it was fabulous. Some things come in smaller amount, I saw a few samples, but you might ask.

[plant partaker]

Thanks very much victoria! I'm not sure what ollongs i like I have had mostly adagios oolong like the wuyi ensemble,huang jin bolero, and oolong # 18. I have also tried house of cha's iron buddha fire roasted oolong which was nice and unique. I'm willing to try whatever. I just hate buying tea that isn't good

[Victoria]

You tell him what you do like and he'll match you up.
But maybe sample something new too.