“Can I wash my Chaire tea caddy?” is a question I am often asked, and one I find difficult to answer. Much depends on the age and condition of the Chaire.
For a very old or valuable Chaire, especially one of historical importance, my answer is definitely no. Even with a new Chaire or one in excellent condition, I would not recommend washing it. Instead, gently remove any remaining matcha powder from the inside after use. Otherwise, old tea powder may become discoloured and mix with fresh powder the next time the Chaire is used.
A clean, soft silk cloth, soft paper, or a small feather brush can be used to remove the remaining powder, provided the surface is stable. Avoid rubbing hard or putting your fingers inside the Chaire. Some tissues may also contain oils or leave fibres behind.
Many Chaire have exposed, unglazed clay at the base, known as Tsuchimi (土見). This area can absorb water, and older pieces may also have fine cracks or previous repairs. For this reason, soaking a Chaire in water is best avoided.
But what if you find a vintage Chaire with a large amount of old tea powder hardened inside? That is more difficult. Without examining the piece, I cannot judge whether it can be cleaned safely. I would not use a Chaire in such a condition for tea. We do not offer Chaire with this kind of heavy residue, and we take care when handling the pieces entrusted to us.
Years ago, I once washed an inexpensive Chaire that was already in very poor condition. That was my own decision, and I would not recommend the same method for an antique or valuable piece. If the inside is heavily soiled, it is better to seek advice from a specialist before attempting to clean it.
