A good set of tea cups is special in a world full of delicately fragrant herbal tea and freshly brewed coffee. These are more than mere vessels since we start our day with freshly brewed tea. At the same time, the perfect tea time becomes incredibly special when paired with the right etiquette. Teacup etiquette is not only about making your afternoon fancy but also about polishing your table manners. Similarly, maintaining your delicate tea cups is vital to always look new and shining when serving a hot beverage. 

As such, this post covers some of the most important tea cup etiquette and some essential tips for maintaining your cup's cleanliness. 

Tea Cup Etiquette 101: How to Enjoy Tea the Proper Way

Below are some of the significant tea etiquette rules that everyone should practice whenever having their tea. 

Hold the Teacup by the Handle

Many consider holding the teacup with their pinky up a fancy way of having tea. However, it's better to hold your tea cups by the handle and not through it. Holding the cup properly may take some practice, but you will have better balance if you place your middle and index fingers on the handle's back side and put your thumb on the front. 

Adding Milk to Your Tea

Tea always calls for milk and not cream. The heavy fat content and the cream's thickness may complement coffee, but it overpower the tea's delicate flavour. At the same time, you must add the milk to the teacup before you pour hot tea into it. That will temper the milk and prevent a delicate cup from shattering or cracking.

Note: Add milk only when you have black tea, not when drinking oolong, green, white, or herbal tea. Milk is unsuitable for every flavour profile and can overpower some kinds of tea. 

Stirring the Tea and Not Swirling it

There is a right and a wrong way to stir your tea. If you have added sugar or milk to your tea, you can take the teaspoon and move it to a 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock position about three times. Remember never to swirl your tea around when mixing sugar and milk. 

Don't Cradle Your Tea Cup

Do not cradle the tea cups with your hands when you bring them to your lips for a sip. Hold the teacup by the handle and nothing else. This only applies to the cups with handles since it can be ceremonious to cradle your cup if it doesn't have a handle.

Essential Tips for Maintaining the Cleanliness of Your Tea Cups

Utilise the tips below to make your tea cup look clean, fresh, and new. 

Wash Your Cup Immediately After Use

One of the simplest ways to keep your cup fresh and clean is to wash it immediately after use. This is especially important since tea can leave behind residue and stains that can be challenging to remove if you let it sit for a long time. So, you can prevent odours and stains from settling in if you simply rinse the tea cups using dish soap and water. 

Use Baking Soda to Remove Odours and Stains

Tea cups can have a lingering odour and become stained over time. So, if you struggle to remove the odours and stains, you can try using baking soda. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the cup and a little hot water to make a paste. Use a brush or sponge to scrub the cup's inside and rinse it thoroughly with warm water. 

Don't Let Your Cups Sit Long with Liquid Inside

Did you know? Odours and stains develop when liquid is left in a cup for too long. If you do not finish the drink immediately, dump it out or pour it into a different container. You must not leave the liquid for more than a few hours. 

Wash Your Cups Regularly

One of the most important steps when caring for your tea cups is washing them daily. Regular wash prevents bacteria from building up, and you can pay special attention to the cup's inside and scrub it using a sponge and some warm, soapy water. 

Dry Your Cup Completely After Washing

Dry your tea cup immediately to prevent bacteria and water stains from developing. You can let your cup air dry on a dish rack or upside down or wipe it with a clean towel. 

Prevent Stains by Using a Coaster

Using a coaster to put your cups on will prevent stains from developing on surfaces. Coasters are made of different materials, including stone, cork, and silicone, and they can also be found in many designs to match your decor. 

Don't Put Your Cup in the Dishwasher

Putting your teacup in the dishwasher is not the best option, even if it is the quickest way to clean it. Dishwashers can chip or scratch the cups or cause the pattern or design to peel or fade. So, handwashing the cups is the best way to maintain their freshness and cleanliness. However, if you use opal glass or borosilicate material tea sets, you don't have to worry about any types of scratches or chips. These can be safely used in the microwave, oven, fridge, freezer and dishwasher. So you can enjoy your coffee or tea with your friends and family. 

Store Your Cup Properly

Storing your tea cup is an important part of maintaining it. Ensure you have dried the cup before storing it, as moisture can leave unpleasant odours and mould. Ensure that the cupboard or cabinet you will store your cup in is not cramped or crowded, as that can lead to cracks or chips. A dedicated cup rack or hook can keep the vessels safe and organised. 

Conclusion

Proper etiquette when enjoying your tea is necessary since it can considerably elevate your tea time experience. But it's also necessary to maintain your tea cups and ensure they are not affected or damaged over time. So, buy tea cups and start caring for them from day one, incorporating the tips above into your daily routine. That way, you can enjoy a clean and fresh mug of tea for many years.