Product Care
PRODUCT CARE
Care for What You Bring Home.
PandaHomeMart products are selected to become part of everyday tea, botanical, and home rituals.
A little care can help preserve:
Flavor
Aroma
Freshness
Appearance
Function
Product Life
Different products require different care.
Tea should be protected from moisture and strong odors.
Botanicals should remain dry and properly sealed.
Teaware should be cleaned according to its material and allowed to dry fully before storage.
This guide provides simple, practical care instructions for the products you bring home.
Store Well · Brew Thoughtfully · Clean Gently · Enjoy Longer
PRODUCT CARE AT A GLANCE
TEA
Keep:
Cool · Dry · Dark · Sealed · Odor-Free
BOTANICALS
Keep:
Dry · Sealed · Away From Heat & Moisture
PORCELAIN & CERAMIC TEAWARE
Clean gently and dry completely before storage.
GLASS TEAWARE
Avoid sudden temperature changes and impact.
UNGLAZED CLAY
Rinse gently, avoid strong odors, and allow to dry thoroughly.
GIFT SETS
Care for each individual product according to its material or ingredient type.
TEA CARE
Protect the Leaves Before You Brew Them.
Tea is sensitive to its environment.
The five most important things to protect tea from are:
Moisture
Air
Light
Heat
Strong Odors
For most everyday tea, remember:
COOL · DRY · DARK · SEALED · ODOR-FREE
KEEP TEA DRY
Tea absorbs moisture easily.
Always use:
Dry Hands
Dry Tea Scoops
Dry Spoons
Dry Storage Containers
Avoid placing tea near:
Sinks
Steam
Dishwashers
Kettles Producing Heavy Steam
Damp Cupboards
Never place wet tea leaves back into a package of dry tea.
KEEP TEA SEALED
Reseal tea promptly after each use.
Good storage options include:
Original Resealable Packaging
Airtight Tea Tin
Opaque Food-Safe Container
Small Sealed Portion Bags
If you purchase larger quantities, consider keeping only a smaller amount in your everyday container.
KEEP TEA AWAY FROM LIGHT
Avoid storing tea in direct sunlight.
Transparent containers may look attractive, but light can affect tea quality over time.
If using glass storage jars, keep them inside a closed cupboard.
KEEP TEA AWAY FROM HEAT
Avoid storing tea:
Beside an Oven
Above a Stove
Beside a Heater
Inside a Hot Vehicle
On a Sunny Windowsill
Choose a location with a relatively stable temperature.
KEEP TEA AWAY FROM STRONG ODORS
Tea can absorb surrounding aromas.
Keep tea away from:
Coffee
Spices
Perfume
Cleaning Products
Scented Candles
Cooking Odors
Strong Botanicals
Store strongly scented tea separately from delicate tea where possible.
GREEN TEA CARE
Freshness Comes First.
Green tea is generally valued for its fresh aroma and bright character.
Keep green tea:
Well Sealed
Cool
Dark
Dry
Away From Odors
Once opened, enjoy it while its fresh character remains at its best.
IF REFRIGERATED
Keep the tea completely sealed.
Allow the sealed package to return to room temperature before opening.
This helps reduce condensation.
VIEW TEA STORAGE GUIDE →
WHITE TEA CARE
White tea may be enjoyed fresh or stored longer depending on the style.
Keep it protected from:
Moisture
Strong Odors
Direct Light
Extreme Temperature Changes
Selected white teas may change over time, but intentional aging requires good storage rather than simply leaving the tea exposed.
OOLONG CARE
Different oolong styles have different priorities.
LIGHT OOLONG
Protect freshness and aroma.
Keep well sealed.
ROASTED OOLONG
Protect from moisture, air, and strong odors.
Even roasted tea can lose aroma when left open.
BLACK TEA CARE
Black tea is generally more forgiving than delicate green tea, but it still benefits from good storage.
Keep it:
Sealed
Dry
Dark
Away From Heat
Away From Strong Odors
PU-ERH CARE
Pu-erh is different from freshness-focused tea.
It may continue to develop over time.
However, it should still be protected from:
Excessive Moisture
Direct Sunlight
Strong Odors
Contamination
Extreme Temperature Changes
Avoid storing pu-erh beside:
Perfume
Spices
Smoke
Cleaning Products
Strongly Aromatic Foods
VIEW TEA STORAGE GUIDE →
COMPRESSED TEA CARE
Compressed tea may include:
Pu-erh Cakes
White Tea Cakes
Tea Bricks
Mini Cakes
Keep the tea in a clean, appropriate storage environment.
Paper wrappers help with handling and dust protection but are not complete moisture barriers.
Handle compressed tea carefully when separating leaves for brewing.
HOW TO BREAK A TEA CAKE
Use a suitable tea pick or tea knife if needed.
Work slowly.
Insert the tool carefully between compressed leaf layers rather than forcing directly downward.
Keep fingers away from the direction of the tool.
Separate only the amount needed for brewing.
Store the remaining cake properly.
USED TEA LEAVES
Used tea leaves contain moisture.
Do not return them to dry tea storage.
If you plan to re-steep leaves later the same day, use good hygiene and avoid leaving wet leaves at warm room temperature for extended periods.
When in doubt, discard used leaves and brew fresh tea.
BOTANICAL PRODUCT CARE
Keep Natural Ingredients Dry & Protected.
Botanical products may include:
Flowers
Fruits
Roots
Leaves
Seeds
Grains
Beans
Citrus
Fungi
Traditional Botanical Ingredients
Because they are dried agricultural products, they are particularly sensitive to moisture.
BOTANICAL STORAGE
Keep botanicals:
Dry
Cool
Sealed
Away From Direct Sunlight
Away From Strong Odors
Always close the package after use.
FLOWER CARE
Dried flowers can be delicate.
Examples include:
Rose
Chrysanthemum
Jasmine
Osmanthus
Honeysuckle
Avoid:
Crushing the Flowers Unnecessarily
High Humidity
Long Exposure to Air
Strong Sunlight
Handle gently to help preserve appearance and aroma.
DRIED FRUIT CARE
Examples include:
Goji Berry
Jujube
Longan
Hawthorn
Apple
Roselle
Keep dried fruits sealed and dry.
Some dried fruits may naturally become softer or darker over time.
Always check product condition before use.
ROOT CARE
Dried roots can vary in size, thickness, and texture.
Examples include:
Ginger
Kudzu Root
Chinese Yam
Polygonatum
Red Ginseng
Store them in a dry environment and keep the package tightly closed.
Dense root ingredients may require longer steeping or simmering according to product directions.
GRAIN & SEED CARE
Examples include:
Barley
Buckwheat
Black Rice
Coix Seed
Fox Nut
Black Bean
Keep these products:
Dry
Sealed
Away From Insects
Away From Moisture
Away From Heat
Do not use products that show signs of moisture damage or contamination.
NATURAL VARIATION
Botanical ingredients are agricultural products.
Natural variation may occur in:
Color
Shape
Size
Aroma
Texture
These differences can result from:
Harvest Season
Growing Region
Plant Variety
Drying Method
Natural Crop Variation
Minor differences between batches are normal.
WHEN NOT TO USE A BOTANICAL PRODUCT
Do not use a botanical product if you observe:
Visible Mold
Unusual Moisture
Unexpected Fermentation
Strong Unpleasant Odor
Insect Contamination
Damaged or Compromised Packaging
Other Clear Signs of Spoilage
When in doubt, do not consume the product.
TEAWARE CARE
Care Depends on the Material.
Different teaware materials should not all be cleaned in the same way.
Common materials include:
Porcelain
Glass
Glazed Ceramic
Unglazed Clay
Metal
Wood
Bamboo
Always follow product-specific instructions where provided.
PORCELAIN TEAWARE
Neutral · Versatile · Easy to Care For
Porcelain is suitable for many tea types and is generally easy to clean.
AFTER USE
Remove tea leaves.
Rinse the vessel.
Wash according to product instructions.
Dry completely.
AVOID
Strong Abrasives
Metal Scrubbing Pads
Sudden Impact
Extreme Temperature Shock
Decorative or metallic finishes may require gentler care.
CERAMIC TEAWARE
Glazed ceramic can generally be cared for similarly to porcelain.
However, handmade pieces may require extra care.
Avoid:
Hard Impact
Harsh Abrasives
Rapid Temperature Changes
Always check whether the product is:
Dishwasher Safe
Microwave Safe
Stovetop Safe
Do not assume these features unless specifically stated.
GLASS TEAWARE
Beautiful but Sensitive to Temperature Shock.
Glass teaware is especially useful for:
Green Tea
Jasmine Tea
Botanical Infusions
Flower Tea
Cold Brew
IMPORTANT
Use glass products only within their stated temperature limits.
Avoid sudden transitions such as:
Freezer → Boiling Water
Cold Surface → Extremely Hot Liquid
Hot Glass → Cold Water
Rapid temperature change can increase the risk of cracking.
GLASS CLEANING
Use gentle cleaning methods.
Avoid:
Heavy Impact
Abrasive Pads
Metal Objects Scraping the Interior
Store glass products where they are protected from falls.
GAIWAN CARE
After brewing:
Remove the leaves.
Rinse the bowl, lid, and saucer.
Wash gently if appropriate for the material.
Allow all pieces to dry separately.
Stack only when fully dry.
Be careful around:
Thin Rims
Lid Edges
Decorative Finishes
TEAPOT CARE
After use:
Empty the leaves promptly.
Rinse the pot.
Clean according to material.
Leave the lid open while drying.
Do not store a damp teapot tightly closed.
This is especially important for small teapots with limited airflow.
UNGLAZED CLAY TEAPOTS
Different From Porcelain.
Unglazed clay is more porous and may gradually absorb tea aromas.
Many tea drinkers dedicate an unglazed clay pot to one tea family.
Common examples include:
Oolong
Pu-erh
Black Tea
CARE
Rinse with clean water.
Avoid strongly scented detergents unless the manufacturer specifically recommends them.
Allow the pot to dry completely.
Store with good airflow.
DO NOT STORE A CLAY POT WHILE DAMP
Moisture trapped inside a closed pot can create unwanted odors or other storage problems.
Allow:
Body
Lid
Interior
to dry fully before storage.
TEA CUPS
Rinse or wash cups after use.
Tea residue can build up over time.
Light-colored interiors make stains easier to see.
Use cleaning methods appropriate to the material and decoration.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing on:
Gold Trim
Silver Trim
Hand Painting
Delicate Glaze
TEA STAINS
Tea stains are normal with repeated use.
For glazed porcelain or glass, clean according to manufacturer recommendations.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that may damage:
Glaze
Paint
Metallic Decoration
Surface Finish
INFUSER MUG CARE
After each use:
Remove the infuser.
Discard leaves.
Rinse the infuser.
Wash the mug and lid.
Allow all components to dry.
Pay special attention to:
Fine Mesh
Lid Seals
Small Tea Particles
Residual tea can accumulate if infusers are not cleaned regularly.
METAL INFUSERS
Rinse after use and remove trapped leaf particles.
Allow the infuser to dry completely.
Do not use damaged or corroded infusers.
TEA STRAINERS
Fine strainers can trap small tea particles.
Rinse immediately after use.
Occasionally inspect the mesh for:
Residue
Damage
Loose Wires
Replace damaged strainers.
FAIRNESS PITCHER CARE
Rinse after each tea session.
Glass and porcelain pitchers should be treated according to their material.
Avoid leaving tea inside overnight.
Tea can stain or leave aroma behind.
TEA TRAY CARE
Tea trays may be made from:
Wood
Bamboo
Plastic
Stone
Ceramic
Metal
Care varies greatly by material.
WOOD & BAMBOO TEA TRAYS
Avoid leaving standing water on the surface for extended periods.
After use:
Drain Water
Wipe Dry
Allow Air Circulation
Do not leave soaked overnight.
Extended moisture exposure may cause:
Warping
Cracking
Odor
Surface Damage
METAL TEAWARE
Where metal components are used:
Dry after washing.
Avoid prolonged standing water.
Follow product-specific care instructions.
Metal finishes may scratch if abrasive cleaners are used.
DECORATIVE TEAWARE
Decorative details may include:
Gold-Toned Trim
Silver-Toned Trim
Hand-Painted Designs
Embossed Surfaces
Special Glazes
These finishes may require gentle hand washing.
Unless specifically stated, do not assume decorative teaware is:
Dishwasher Safe
Microwave Safe
Oven Safe
HANDMADE TEAWARE
Handmade and hand-finished pieces may naturally vary slightly.
Possible characteristics include:
Glaze Variation
Minor Shape Variation
Small Color Differences
Natural Surface Texture
These characteristics may be part of the handmade appearance.
Handle handmade pieces carefully.
TEAWARE WITH WOODEN PARTS
Some teaware may include wooden:
Handles
Lids
Trays
Bases
Accessories
Avoid prolonged soaking.
Dry wooden components promptly.
Do not leave wood in standing water.
FIRST USE OF NEW TEAWARE
Before first use:
Inspect the product.
Remove packaging.
Rinse or wash according to material.
Allow to dry.
Check for:
Cracks
Chips
Loose Components
Shipping Damage
Do not use damaged teaware.
PREHEATING TEAWARE
Some tea drinkers warm teapots or gaiwan before brewing.
If doing so:
Use warm or hot water appropriate for the material.
Avoid extreme temperature shocks.
Preheating can help stabilize brewing temperature, particularly for:
Oolong
Pu-erh
Black Tea
DO NOT PLACE TEAWARE DIRECTLY ON A STOVE
Unless a product is specifically designed and clearly labeled for stovetop use, do not place:
Teapots
Gaiwan
Glass Pots
Ceramic Vessels
directly on a burner.
A teapot designed for brewing is not automatically a kettle.
MICROWAVE USE
Do not microwave teaware unless the product is explicitly suitable for microwave use.
Never microwave products with:
Metallic Trim
Metal Parts
Unknown Decorative Finishes
Check product instructions first.
DISHWASHER USE
Do not assume all teaware is dishwasher safe.
Hand washing is usually the gentlest option for:
Handmade Teaware
Decorative Pieces
Gold or Silver Trim
Unglazed Clay
Fine Glass
Special Glazes
Follow product-specific instructions where provided.
THERMAL SHOCK
Thermal shock occurs when a material experiences a rapid temperature change.
It can damage glass, ceramic, and porcelain.
Avoid:
Pouring Boiling Water Into Ice-Cold Teaware
Placing Hot Teaware on Frozen Surfaces
Rinsing Very Hot Glass With Cold Water
Allow temperature changes to happen gradually.
CHIPS & CRACKS
Inspect teaware periodically.
Stop using a vessel if it develops:
Significant Cracks
Sharp Chips
Loose Handles
Structural Damage
Damaged teaware can become unsafe when filled with hot liquid.
TEAWARE STORAGE
Store teaware:
Clean
Dry
Stable
Protected From Impact
Do not stack fragile items too tightly.
Use soft separators where appropriate.
Keep lids secure but allow vessels to dry before closing.
LONG-TERM TEAWARE STORAGE
If teaware will not be used for a long period:
Clean thoroughly.
Dry completely.
Wrap fragile pieces.
Store in a dry location.
Avoid damp basements or areas with strong odors.
For clay teapots, ensure good airflow.
TRAVEL TEAWARE
Travel sets should be completely dry before being packed into cases.
Packing damp cups or teapots into enclosed travel cases may create unwanted odors.
Use protective separators to reduce impact during transport.
GIFT SET CARE
Gift sets may contain several different product types.
For example:
Tea
Botanicals
Tea Cups
Teapot
Accessories
Do not treat the gift box itself as permanent food storage unless designed for that purpose.
After opening:
Store tea appropriately.
Store botanicals appropriately.
Clean teaware before use.
Keep product instructions for future reference.
PRODUCT PACKAGING
Packaging is designed primarily to:
Protect the Product
Support Storage
Provide Product Information
Packaging may change over time.
Always follow current product labeling and storage instructions.
AFTER OPENING
Once a consumable product is opened:
Reseal promptly.
Record the opening date if helpful.
Use clean, dry utensils.
Avoid contamination.
Store according to the product category.
BEST-BEFORE INFORMATION
Where a best-before date is provided, use it together with proper storage practices.
A best-before date assumes reasonable storage conditions.
Poor storage may affect quality sooner.
PRODUCT CARE FOR SHIPPING DAMAGE
Inspect new orders after delivery.
If you notice:
Broken Teaware
Cracked Packaging
Opened Seals
Missing Parts
Serious Product Damage
contact PandaHomeMart promptly.
For damaged items, keep:
Product
Packaging
Shipping Box
Shipping Label
until the issue has been reviewed.
VIEW RETURNS & REFUNDS →
BOTANICAL & TEA SAFETY
Do not consume products that appear:
Moldy
Wet When They Should Be Dry
Contaminated
Unusually Fermented
Badly Damaged
Affected by Insects
When in doubt, do not use the product.
RESPONSIBLE BOTANICAL USE
Different botanical ingredients have different preparation and suitability considerations.
Follow:
Product Directions
Ingredient Information
Applicable Food-Safety Guidance
Traditional use should not be interpreted as medical advice.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, managing a medical condition, preparing botanicals for a child, or unsure whether an ingredient is appropriate for you, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
COMMON PRODUCT CARE MISTAKES
LEAVING TEA OPEN
This exposes it to air, moisture, and odors.
USING A WET SPOON
This can introduce moisture into dried products.
STORING TEA BESIDE SPICES
Tea may absorb the aroma.
LEAVING BOTANICALS IN SUNLIGHT
Light can affect color and aroma.
PUTTING HOT GLASS UNDER COLD WATER
This can cause thermal shock.
STORING A DAMP CLAY TEAPOT CLOSED
This may create unwanted odor or moisture issues.
USING ABRASIVE CLEANERS ON DECORATIVE TEAWARE
This may damage finishes.
SOAKING WOODEN TEAWARE
This can cause warping or cracking.
SIMPLE DAILY CARE ROUTINE
BEFORE BREWING
Use clean teaware.
Use dry utensils.
Check product condition.
AFTER BREWING
Remove tea leaves or botanicals.
Rinse teaware.
Wash if appropriate.
Dry completely.
AFTER USING INGREDIENTS
Reseal the package.
Return it to a cool, dry, dark location.
WEEKLY TEAWARE CHECK
If you use teaware frequently, occasionally check for:
Tea Residue
Blocked Infusers
Chips
Cracks
Loose Handles
Standing Water in Tea Trays
Odors in Clay Teapots
Small maintenance habits help keep teaware pleasant to use.
CARE BY PRODUCT TYPE
| Product | Main Care Priority |
|---|---|
| Green Tea | Freshness & airtight storage |
| White Tea | Dry, stable storage |
| Oolong | Aroma protection |
| Black Tea | Dry, sealed storage |
| Pu-erh | Stable, odor-free environment |
| Flowers | Dry, gentle handling |
| Dried Fruits | Moisture protection |
| Roots | Dry storage |
| Grains & Seeds | Dry, sealed storage |
| Porcelain | Gentle cleaning |
| Glass | Avoid thermal shock |
| Unglazed Clay | Rinse & fully dry |
| Wood / Bamboo | Avoid prolonged soaking |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW SHOULD I STORE TEA?
For most everyday tea:
Cool · Dry · Dark · Sealed · Odor-Free
SHOULD I PUT TEA IN THE REFRIGERATOR?
Some freshness-focused teas may benefit from refrigeration when properly sealed.
Refrigeration is not necessary for every tea.
HOW SHOULD I STORE BOTANICALS?
Keep them dry, sealed, cool, and away from direct sunlight.
CAN I KEEP TEA IN A GLASS JAR?
Yes, if the jar seals well and is stored away from light.
CAN I STORE DIFFERENT TEAS TOGETHER?
Keep each tea in its own container.
Strong aromas can transfer between products.
HOW SHOULD I CLEAN A GAIWAN?
Rinse or wash gently according to the material and allow all pieces to dry fully.
CAN I PUT MY TEA SET IN THE DISHWASHER?
Only if the specific product is identified as dishwasher safe.
When unsure, hand washing is safer.
CAN I MICROWAVE MY TEAPOT?
Only if the product is specifically designed for microwave use.
Never microwave metallic decorations.
SHOULD I USE SOAP ON A CLAY TEAPOT?
Many tea drinkers avoid strongly scented detergents on porous unglazed clay.
Follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
WHY DOES MY TEA CUP HAVE STAINS?
Tea naturally leaves residue over time.
Clean using methods appropriate to the material and surface finish.
CAN I USE A CRACKED TEAPOT?
Do not use teaware with significant structural cracks or sharp damage.
Hot liquid can make damaged vessels unsafe.
WHY DOES MY BOTANICAL PRODUCT LOOK DIFFERENT FROM THE LAST PACKAGE?
Natural agricultural products can vary between harvests.
Color, size, shape, and aroma may change slightly.
WHAT IF MY PRODUCT ARRIVES DAMAGED?
Contact PandaHomeMart promptly and keep the product and packaging.
VIEW RETURNS & REFUNDS →
KEEP EXPLORING
TEA STORAGE GUIDE
Learn more about storage by tea type.
EXPLORE TEA STORAGE →
TEAWARE SELECTION GUIDE
Choose teaware that matches your brewing style.
CHOOSE YOUR TEAWARE →
TEA GUIDE
Learn how different teas should be brewed and enjoyed.
EXPLORE TEA GUIDE →
BOTANICAL INGREDIENT LIBRARY
Learn how individual botanical ingredients are prepared and stored.
EXPLORE BOTANICALS →
RECIPES & PAIRINGS
Discover ways to brew and combine tea and botanical ingredients.
EXPLORE RECIPES →
RETURNS & REFUNDS
Need help with a damaged or incorrect product?
VIEW RETURNS & REFUNDS →
CARE MAKES THE RITUAL LAST LONGER
A tea tin carefully resealed.
A flower kept dry.
A teapot rinsed after the last infusion.
A gaiwan placed back on the shelf after it has completely dried.
Small habits protect the things you use every day.
Take care of the tea.
Take care of the tools.
Then return to them when you are ready for the next cup.
EXPLORE PANDAHOMEMART →
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