What is the best way to clean pots and cups?
Even if you rinse your pots and cups after every use, which is advisable, they will eventually build up stains. Some people regard these stains as desirable, analogous to seasoning a wok. This seasoning is certainly desirable (and unavoidable) on unglazed equipment such as Yixing-style pots (see 3.1.2). Opinions differ on whether it is desirable on china, porcelain, or glazed earthenware pots. Those who do want to remove tea stains face some minor complications. Most pots are not dishwasher safe. In addition, many people would rather not use soap or detergent on tea equipment, since they find that the drink picks up an off flavor. (As with most things about tea, opinions differ on this subject.) The simplest way to rid yourself of stains without using soap is to brush the stains off with a soft kitchen brush or toothbrush. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) works surprisingly well as a cleaning agent. Just put some baking soda on the wet brush and scrub. Really tough stains can be soften
