How to Clean and Care for Your Iced Tea Kit

Quick Answer

To keep your iced tea kit in top shape, hand wash the pitcher and infuser with mild soap and warm water after each use, and deep clean periodically with a baking soda or vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup and stains.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Use: As soon as you finish your iced tea, empty the pitcher and remove any used tea pouches or leaves. Rinse the pitcher and infuser with cool water to prevent stains from setting. Don't let tea sit overnight; it makes cleaning much harder.
2. Step 2: Hand Wash with Mild Soap: Use a soft sponge and a drop of mild dish soap with warm water. Gently scrub the inside of the pitcher, the lid, and the infuser (if applicable). Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the BPA-free plastic. Dishwashers can warp or cloud plastic pitchers over time; hand washing is safer.
3. Step 3: Remove Stubborn Stains or Odors: For tea stains or lingering smells, fill the pitcher with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water (or 2 tablespoons baking soda with water). Let it soak for 30 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda is gentler than bleach and works well on plastic without leaving a chemical residue.
4. Step 4: Dry Completely Before Storing: After rinsing, dry all parts with a clean cloth or let them air dry upside down on a drying rack. Moisture trapped in the lid or spout can lead to mold growth. Make sure the lid seal is fully dry before reassembling to prevent mildew.
5. Step 5: Deep Clean the Pitcher Monthly: Once a month, do a deeper clean by filling the pitcher with hot water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub and rinse. This removes mineral buildup from tap water. If you have hard water, consider using filtered water for brewing to reduce scale.

Products That Make Cleaning Easier

• 2 QT Iced Tea Kit Blue Pineapple Iced Tea: The 2 QT Iced Tea Kit Blue Pineapple Iced Tea comes with a 66oz BPA free Takeya iced tea pitcher and four 2qt Iced Tea Pouches of Blue Pineapple. The wide-mouth pitcher is easy to reach inside for thorough hand washing, and the included pouches mean less mess from loose leaves in the infuser.