Before first use, rinse a new unglazed clay teapot and simmer it in water — ideally with a handful of the tea you'll brew in it — to wash out clay dust and the kiln smell and open the pores. Dedicate the pot to one type of tea and only ever rinse it with hot water, never soap, because the porous clay absorbs flavor and builds up seasoning over time.
Step
Do
Why
Rinse & simmer
Rinse, then simmer in water with your tea leaves
Washes out clay dust and kiln smell, opens the pores
