How to Clean the Inside of a Stainless Steel Teapot

Regular washings with soap and water will keep your pot clean enough to use, but does not remove the stubborn stains that tea leaves on the inside. For the best tasting tea, you want your tea to come from a clean pot. Here’s how to get your stainless steel pot clean and shining again.

You Will Need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• Bottle scrubber (found in the baby section)
• Soft cloths or Scrubbing pads

Steps to Clean the Teapot:

1. Pour one cup of baking soda into the pot.
2. Add water to fill the pot.
3. Heat the water and baking soda to boiling.
4. Remove the teapot from the heat and allow it to set for at least 10 minutes.
5. With a scrub brush or other scrubber, gently scrub the inside of the pot. Be careful not to burn yourself.
6. If stains remain, pour out most of the boiled water, leaving only a small amount on the bottom.
7. Pour in additional baking soda.
8. Mix the baking soda around with a scrubbing brush or pad. As the baking soda mixes with the water it will form a paste. If it dissolves in the water, you need to add more baking soda.
9. Continue scrubbing the inside of the pot. The baking soda will act as a mild abrasive and “scrub” away the stains.
10. Once the stains removed, wash as normal.
11. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
12. Dry with a soft cloth.

You Will Need:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Soft cloths or Scrubbing pads

Steps to Clean the Teapot:

1. Fill the teapot with one part water and one part vinegar.
2. Place the pot on the stove and bring the liquids to a boil.
3. Allow them to boil for a few minutes, then turn off the heat.
4. When the water cools down to a warm temperature, dispose of the water.
5. Use a soft cloth or scrubbing pad to wipe the stains away from the insides of the teapot.
6. Wash as normal, and rinse completely with clean water.
7. Dry with a soft cloth.
8. Diluted vinegar can also be used on a soft cloth to polish the exterior of the teapot.

• Scouring powders such as Barkeepers Friend have also been used to effectively remove stains from teapots. Be sure to rinse the teapot well after cleaning.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads as they may scratch the surface. Nylon or plastic scrubbers are best.
• Watch the pot carefully when boiling. Never let your teapot boil dry or it will create scorch marks, and you’ll be left with a new stain on your hands.