How to Clean a Matcha Bowl (Chawan) the Right Way
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Time to read 5 min
Table of Content
Why Proper Matcha Bowl Care Matters How to Clean Your Matcha Bowl After Each Use 1) Rinse right away (lukewarm water is best) 2) Use a soft sponge (or your hand) 3) Use soap only occasionally (and keep it mild) 4) Dry it properly (this matters more than people think) Where (and How) to Store a Matcha Bowl Common Mistakes That Damage Handmade Matcha Bowls What About the Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)? Final Thoughts: A Matcha Bowl Is Meant to Be Used
A simple care guide for handmade Japanese ceramics
A good matcha bowl looks delicate, but it’s made to be used. With basic care, a handmade chawan can stay beautiful for years — and honestly, it often looks even better over time.
The key is simple: rinse it immediately, clean it gently, and ensure it’s fully dry before you put it away.
If you’ve just bought your first matcha bowl (or you’re building a full set with a whisk and accessories), this guide will walk you through the easiest way to care for it, without overthinking it.
Why Proper Matcha Bowl Care Matters
Matcha is a fine powder that clings to ceramic surfaces more than most people expect. If you rinse your bowl immediately after drinking, it comes off easily. If you leave it “for later,” it dries into a green film that can stain, especially on lighter glazes.
Cleaning also affects flavor. A bowl that still has old matcha residue can make fresh matcha taste slightly bitter or flat. It’s subtle, but it’s real.
And finally, there’s moisture. Many handmade Japanese bowls have unglazed areas (especially around the foot). Those parts can hold water longer than the glazed interior. If a bowl is stored while still damp, it can develop a musty odor—or, in humid climates, mold.
So yes: caring for your chawan is important. But the good news is that it’s also very easy.
How to Clean Your Matcha Bowl After Each Use
1) Rinse right away (lukewarm water is best)
Once you’re done, rinse the bowl with lukewarm water.
Cold water doesn’t lift matcha residue as well
Very hot water can stress handmade ceramics (especially thin bowls or crackle glazes)
Lukewarm water is gentle and effective.
2) Use a soft sponge (or your hand)
For everyday cleaning, water alone is usually enough.
If you need extra help, use:
- a soft sponge
- a clean cloth
or your hand
Avoid anything abrasive. No scrub pads, no rough sponges, no stiff brushes. Scratches can dull the glaze and change the bowl’s texture over time.
3) Use soap only occasionally (and keep it mild)
You can use dish soap, but it shouldn’t be your default.
A tiny drop of mild soap is fine:
- If you used the bowl for sweets
- If it has a strong smell
Or if you’ve been using it daily for an extended period.
If your bowl has unglazed areas or a more porous finish, soap can sometimes cling and leave a faint scent. In that case, use soap rarely and rinse thoroughly.
4) Dry it properly (this matters more than people think)
After washing, dry your bowl with a soft towel, then let it air-dry.
The base and foot ring are the slowest parts to dry — especially on handmade ceramics.
Tip: Don’t store your bowl immediately after drying it. Let it sit out for a few hours (or overnight) so any hidden moisture can fully evaporate.
Where (and How) to Store a Matcha Bowl
If there’s one thing that causes problems, it’s storing a bowl while it’s still slightly damp.
To avoid musty smells:
- Store your bowl somewhere dry and ventilated
- Avoid sealed plastic containers
If it came in a box, only put it back once it’s completely dry. This is especially important in humid climates or during summer.
Common Mistakes That Damage Handmade Matcha Bowls
Even careful tea lovers make these mistakes—often without realizing it.
Putting your matcha bowl in the dishwasher
Dishwashers are harsh on ceramics.
The heat, detergent, and constant vibration can slowly:
dull the glaze
weaken decorative finishes
cause tiny chips around the rim
Handwashing takes 30 seconds and is much safer.
Using the microwave
Some ceramics survive microwaves. Many handmade bowls don’t love them.
If you want warm matcha, warm the water, not the bowl!
Scrubbing stains aggressively
If matcha dries and leaves a stain, the instinct is to scrub harder.
Don’t!
Instead:
soak the bowl in warm water for 15–30 minutes
wipe gently
repeat if needed
Patience works better than force.
Rinsing a hot bowl with cold water
This is a classic cause of cracks.
Avoid sudden temperature changes:
don’t rinse a warm bowl under cold water
don’t pour boiling water into a cold bowl straight from storage
Handmade ceramics can crack from thermal shock.
Stacking bowls from a set
If you own multiple bowls, stacking may seem convenient, but it creates pressure points.
If you must stack:
place a soft cloth between bowls
never stack too tightly
avoid stacking bowls with thin rims
What About the Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)?
A bamboo whisk often turns slightly green after a few uses. That’s normal — it’s just matcha staining the bamboo.
To keep your whisk in good shape:
- rinse it immediately after use
- never use soap
- let it dry upright (a whisk holder helps a lot)
A whisk won’t last forever, but with gentle care, it can last far longer than most people expect.
Final Thoughts: A Matcha Bowl Is Meant to Be Used
A handmade Japanese matcha bowl is more than a tool — it’s part of the ritual.
It’s the first thing you touch. It sets the mood. It’s where the tea becomes something quiet and personal.
If you rinse it immediately, clean it gently, and let it dry completely before storing, your bowl will stay beautiful for years. Over time, it will develop the subtle character that makes handmade ceramics so special.
FAQ
Can I wash a matcha bowl with dish soap?
Yes, but you don’t need to use soap every time. For most daily matcha sessions, warm water and a soft sponge are enough. If you do use soap, choose a mild one and rinse thoroughly, especially if your bowl has unglazed or more porous areas.
Can you put a matcha bowl in the dishwasher?
It’s not recommended. Dishwashers use high heat and strong detergent, which can slowly dull the glaze and increase the risk of chipping. Handmade Japanese ceramics last much longer when washed gently by hand.
Why does my matcha bowl stain green?
Green staining is very common, especially on light-colored glazes. Matcha is a fine powder that clings easily. The best way to prevent stains is to rinse your bowl right after use, before the matcha residue dries.
How do you remove matcha stains from a ceramic bowl?
Start by soaking the bowl in warm water for 15–30 minutes, then wipe gently with a soft sponge. Avoid scrubbing hard, since that can scratch the glaze. If needed, repeat the soak rather than using force.
By the My Japanese World Author Team
The My Japanese World author team, led by Soichiroh, comprises long-time enthusiasts who use Japanese craftsmanship in everyday life, from pouring tea to setting the table. Our articles share hands-on experience and insights gained through real use and direct contact with artisans, celebrating crafts meant to be lived with, not just admired.
