How to Clean Your Stainless Steel Tea Infuser for Long-Lasting Use

By Mayde Tea Australia | Organic tea, latte powders & brewing | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: Tips & Care

Learn the simple steps to clean your stainless steel tea infuser, avoid common mistakes, and keep it performing well for years. Practical advice for daily use.

Quick answer

Rinse your stainless steel infuser immediately after use, then give it a gentle scrub with a soft brush and mild soap once a day. A weekly deep soak in baking soda and warm water removes stubborn residue and odors. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals to protect the finish.

Why regular cleaning matters for your infuser

A clean infuser does more than look good. Tea leaves leave behind oils and fine particles that can clog the mesh, slow down brewing, and even affect the taste of your next cup. Over time, trapped moisture can lead to spotting or dull the stainless steel finish. A quick rinse after each use prevents most of these issues.

What you need for cleaning

You only need a few items: a soft-bristle bottle brush or a dedicated infuser brush, mild dish soap, baking soda, and a clean cloth. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or bleach-based cleaners. The stainless steel infuser from Mayde Tea is designed to be durable, but abrasive tools can scratch the surface and create spots where residue collects.

Step-by-step cleaning routine

Step 1: Rinse immediately after brewing: Remove the spent leaves and rinse the infuser under warm running water. Use your fingers or a soft brush to dislodge any leaves stuck in the mesh. Don't let the infuser sit with wet leaves inside—dried residue is much harder to remove. Common mistake: leaving the infuser on the counter with used leaves. Rinse within a few minutes of finishing your tea.
Step 2: Daily gentle scrub: Apply a drop of mild dish soap to a soft brush or sponge and gently scrub the infuser basket and lid. Pay attention to the mesh bottom and the rim where the lid sits. Rinse thoroughly with warm water until no soap remains. Checkpoint: if you see any brown film or spots after rinsing, you need a deeper clean.
Step 3: Weekly deep soak for stubborn residue: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add one tablespoon of baking soda. Submerge the infuser and let it soak for 15–20 minutes. Then scrub gently with a brush, rinse well, and dry with a clean cloth. This removes tea stains and neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals. Avoid using vinegar or lemon juice on stainless steel regularly—acid can dull the finish over time.
Step 4: Dry completely before storing: After cleaning, dry the infuser and lid with a soft cloth or let them air-dry on a dish rack. Do not reassemble or store the infuser while damp. Trapped moisture can cause water spots or, in rare cases, surface corrosion. Final tip: store the infuser with the lid off to allow airflow inside the basket.

Product fact

Mayde Tea Stainless Steel Infuser: The Mayde Tea infuser is made from stainless steel, avoiding bleaches, glues, and micro-plastics found in many teabags. Its included lid doubles as a drip tray. Because the infuser is reusable and free of disposable-teabag chemicals, keeping it clean preserves its eco-friendly advantage and ensures no off-flavors transfer to your tea.