The Art of Tea Towels: Usage, Care, and Etiquette in Tea Culture

What Is a Tea Towel?

A tea towel, also known as a “tea cloth,” is a specialized cleaning tool used in the tea-making process to wipe down tea utensils. Typically made from fibers such as linen or cotton, tea towels are highly absorbent. They are used to remove water stains and tea residue from tea utensils, particularly the sides and bases of teapots and teacups, ensuring the cleanliness of the tea set. Tea towels are generally placed between the tea tray and the person brewing the tea.

Differences Between a Tea Towel and a Regular Cloth

Unlike ordinary cleaning cloths, tea towels are exclusively used during tea preparation and should not be used to wipe tables or other surfaces. Using a tea towel while serving guests is considered courteous and helps keep the tea table tidy, leaving a positive impression on visitors.

High-quality tea towels should be made from highly absorbent, all-cotton fabric. They can be folded into various shapes, such as squares or rectangles, and positioned on the inner side of the tea table or under the teapot as a cushion to prevent spills and provide a secure grip when lifting the pot.

In tea ceremonies or tea gatherings, tea towels can also serve as decorative elements, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the tea utensils and contributing to the overall ambiance. A tea towel plays an indispensable role in the tea-making process, helping maintain the cleanliness of both the tea set and table, and enriching the tea-brewing experience and etiquette. Selecting a high-quality, absorbent cotton tea towel and using proper folding techniques can enhance the efficiency and tidiness of the tea-making process.

The History of Tea Towels

As far back as the Tang Dynasty in ancient China, improvements in production capacity led to the refinement of tea and the establishment of tea culture as a popular practice. The use of tea towels was first documented in The Classic of Tea by Lu Yu, where a fine linen cloth was described as being used to clean tea utensils. This practice reflected the high regard for cleanliness in tea preparation and the importance of tea rituals during that time.

1. Song Dynasty

During the Song Dynasty, when tea-tasting and tea competitions became popular, tea towels emerged as essential tools for cleaning tea utensils and adding a decorative touch. This signifies that tea towels had evolved beyond practical use and had become integrated into the cultural aspects of tea competitions.

2. Ming and Qing Dynasties

In the Ming and Qing periods, the significance of tea towels was further elevated. While their primary function remained to keep tea utensils and surfaces clean, more attention was given to their decorative and artistic features, reflecting the period’s pursuit of sophistication and elegance in tea culture.

3. Modern Times

In the modern development of tea culture, tea towels have taken on new characteristics. Design now places a greater emphasis on aesthetics and practicality, making tea towels a representation of the visual appeal of tea culture. Modern tea towels focus on improved absorbency and texture to meet contemporary tea drinkers’ preferences for quality and functionality.

What Are the Material Characteristics of a Tea Towel?

Tea towels are common yet practical items in tea preparation, with their materials and craftsmanship directly impacting their functionality and durability. Below, we’ll explore the main types of materials and their production techniques.

1. Cotton: Excellent Absorbency and Durability

Cotton is one of the most popular materials for tea towels due to its exceptional absorbency and durability. Cotton fibers are not only soft but can quickly soak up moisture, making them ideal for drying dishes and cleaning kitchen surfaces.

Craftsmanship: Cotton fabric is typically woven using a plain weave, creating a tightly structured cloth that enhances its durability and absorbency. Cotton tea towels become softer after high-temperature washing and can withstand repeated use, ensuring a long lifespan.

2. Linen: Fast-Drying and Lint-Free

Linen tea towels are known for their superior absorbency and quick-drying properties. Derived from the flax plant, linen fibers have natural antibacterial and hypoallergenic characteristics.

Craftsmanship: Linen is often woven with a looser structure, allowing it to evaporate moisture quickly. Its longer fibers mean it does not leave lint behind, making it especially suitable for cleaning glassware and delicate dishes.

3. Silk: Lightweight and Elegant

Silk tea towels are primarily used for special occasions, valued for their lightweight and smooth texture. Silk has a natural sheen and is often used for decorative purposes or in upscale settings.

Craftsmanship: Made from silk threads, silk tea towels are woven with fine, tight weaves that give them a smooth touch and elegant appearance. While silk is relatively strong, it requires more careful handling compared to other materials.

4. Bamboo Fiber: Eco-Friendly and Antibacterial

Bamboo fiber tea towels are an emerging eco-friendly option. Bamboo fibers are not only highly absorbent but also have natural antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

Craftsmanship: Bamboo fiber is produced by extracting cellulose from bamboo, resulting in a fine, soft texture. Due to bamboo’s rapid growth, bamboo fiber is a sustainable choice, gaining popularity among environmentally conscious consumers.

How to Enhance the Absorbency of Tea Towels

The existence and advancement of certain techniques offer various practical methods for improving the absorbency of tea towels, helping them perform better in real-world use and meet the needs of drying tea utensils.

Fiber Modification Techniques

Fiber modification can be carried out through chemical or physical methods to enhance the basic fibers of tea towels, such as cotton. Chemically, this includes alkali treatment of cotton fibers. An alkaline solution removes the waxy layer on the surface of the cotton fibers, making them rougher and increasing their surface area. According to textile engineering studies, cotton fibers treated with alkali can increase their surface area by approximately 20–30%. This effect creates more “micro-channels” on the fiber surface, allowing them to better absorb water molecules and improve overall absorbency.

Physically, techniques like plasma treatment are employed. The high-energy particles in plasma interact with the fiber surface, etching tiny pits and protrusions. These microstructural changes enhance the fibers’ affinity for water, essentially creating a more water-absorbent “coat” for the fibers.

Application of Composite Fibers

One common method is blending highly absorbent fibers with the base fibers of tea towels, such as linen. For example, combining seaweed fiber with linen. Seaweed fiber has an extraordinarily high absorbency rate, up to 200–300% of its own weight. When combined with linen, seaweed fiber forms miniature “water-absorption stations” within the tea towel. During use, seaweed fibers quickly absorb large amounts of moisture, which is then distributed across the linen fibers, significantly enhancing the towel’s overall absorbency.

Another technique involves blending superabsorbent polymers (SAP) with cotton fibers. SAP can absorb hundreds or even thousands of times its own weight in moisture. When incorporated into tea towels, these composite fibers lock in large amounts of water, preventing it from seeping out during use, ensuring high-performance absorbency.

How to Enhance the Durability of Tea Towels

Nano-coating technology and fiber reinforcement techniques address surface protection and internal structural strengthening, respectively, enhancing the durability and wear resistance of tea towels. These methods help improve the overall quality and extend the lifespan of tea towels, making them more resistant to wear during use.

Nano-Coating Technology

Applying a nano-coating on the surface of tea towels involves the use of nanoparticles, such as nano titanium dioxide. These particles can fill the tiny gaps between the fibers, forming a tough protective layer. According to material science research, although the thickness of nano-coatings is minimal, usually ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers, they can significantly improve the wear resistance of tea towels. During everyday use, when the tea towel rubs against teaware or table surfaces, the nano-coating reduces fiber abrasion and breakage, thus extending the towel’s lifespan.

Nano-coatings also possess antibacterial properties, preventing bacteria from proliferating on the tea towel, which further protects its fiber structure. The growth and reproduction of bacteria can break down the fibers, reducing the durability of the towel, while the nano-coating inhibits bacterial activity, keeping the towel in good condition.

Fiber Reinforcement Techniques

One method of reinforcing fibers is through denser interweaving. For example, in linen tea towels, increasing the density of warp and weft threads can strengthen the structure. A standard linen tea towel may have a weaving density of 20–30 threads per square centimeter. By applying reinforcement techniques, this density can be increased to 30–40 threads per square centimeter. This tighter weave enhances the cohesion between fibers, improving the tea towel’s ability to withstand tension, friction, and other external forces.

Another fiber reinforcement technique involves the use of special bonding agents. These agents create chemical or physical bonds between the fibers, binding them together. The bonding agent acts like “glue” between the fibers, boosting the overall strength of the towel, making it more resistant to loosening and breaking during frequent use.

Practical Functions of Tea Towels

Tea towels are more than just simple cleaning tools; they also play unique roles in insulation and serving as temporary trays, positively contributing to the tea-drinking experience. Here are a few practical functions:

1. Cleaning Teaware The primary function of a tea towel is to clean teaware. During tea preparation, teapots, teacups, and tea trays can become wet or accumulate tea residue. A tea towel’s high absorbency allows for quick cleaning, keeping the teaware tidy. This is especially important during multiple infusions when timely cleaning is necessary.
2. Insulation Tea towels can be placed under a teapot to provide insulation. This is particularly useful for teas such as Pu-erh or black tea that require maintaining high temperatures to preserve their flavor. The towel helps retain heat, allowing the tea aroma to be better released.
3. Serving as a Tea Tray A tea towel can also serve as a temporary tray. In situations where a dedicated tea tray is unavailable, laying a tea towel on the table provides a surface for arranging teaware, preventing direct contact between the table and teaware while adding an aesthetic touch.

How to Choose the Right Tea Towel

Selecting an appropriate tea towel not only enhances the tea-drinking experience but also reflects the aesthetics and etiquette of tea culture. Below are some recommendations based on different needs.

1. Functional Needs: Prioritizing Practicality

If you prioritize practicality, choose materials with strong absorbency and easy-to-clean properties. Common materials like cotton-linen and flax are excellent choices as they absorb water efficiently, quickly clean teaware, and have a soft texture that won’t damage delicate surfaces.

• Recommended Materials: Cotton-linen, flax
• Best for: Daily use, cleaning teaware, home tea gatherings
• Reason: These materials offer good absorbency, are easy to wash, and are convenient for daily use.

2. Aesthetic Needs: Enhancing the Tea Setting

For those seeking higher aesthetic value, consider tea towels with intricate embroidery or traditional patterns. These towels are not only practical but also add a touch of cultural and artistic ambiance to the tea setting. Modern design tea towels are also available for those who prefer a minimalist and stylish look.

• Recommended Designs: Embroidery, printed patterns, geometric shapes
• Best for: Formal tea ceremonies, tea art performances, home tea rooms
• Reason: These beautifully designed towels match well with the tea setting, enhancing the sense of ritual and visual appeal.

3. Ceremonial Needs: Displaying Taste and Etiquette

In formal tea gatherings or tea art demonstrations, choosing a simple and elegant tea towel is essential. Light colors like white, pale blue, or beige highlight the host’s refined taste and sense of etiquette. Darker tea towels are also practical as they hide stains and exude a more subdued aesthetic, pairing well with traditional tea settings.

• Recommended Colors: Light tones (white, gray, pale blue), dark tones (brown, black)
• Best for: Tea ceremonies, traditional tea performances
• Reason: Tasteful colors meet ceremonial standards and pair harmoniously with teaware, showcasing overall elegance and cohesion.

4. Personalization Needs: Expressing Individual Taste

For tea enthusiasts who value personalization, choosing a tea towel that reflects personal style is crucial. Opt for unique designs or vibrant colors according to your preference. Tea towels with gradient or contrasting colors can break the mold and express an individualistic taste.

• Recommended Styles: Gradient, contrasting colors, unique patterns
• Best for: Young people’s gatherings, everyday tea drinking
• Reason: Distinctive designs not only serve practical purposes but also showcase the host’s unique aesthetics and personality.

5. Material Choice: Focusing on Health and Eco-Friendliness

For those who prioritize environmental sustainability and health, tea towels made from natural, eco-friendly materials are ideal. Materials like natural cotton-linen and bamboo fiber are not only environmentally friendly but also provide a pleasant user experience without harming teaware or health.

• Recommended Materials: Natural cotton-linen, bamboo fiber
• Best for: Eco-conscious use, daily tea drinking
• Reason: Eco-friendly materials are soft, kind to the environment, and improve the overall tea-drinking experience.

When purchasing a tea towel, consider your practical needs, aesthetic preferences, or ceremonial requirements to find the perfect match that adds a touch of elegance to your tea sessions.

How to Care for Tea Towels in Daily Life

Tea towels, frequently in contact with teaware and tea, can easily accumulate stains. If not cleaned and maintained promptly, this not only affects their appearance but also shortens their lifespan. Below is a detailed guide on cleaning and maintaining tea towels, with recommendations tailored to different materials. This information aims to be helpful for daily use.

1. Cleaning and Maintenance by Common Material

Understanding the properties and maintenance methods of different tea towel materials can extend their lifespan, ensuring they maintain their value and function during tea preparation.

• Cotton Tea Towels Cotton tea towels are soft and highly absorbent, making them ideal for everyday use. They can be cleaned using a washing machine, but it’s important to use mild detergent and avoid hot water (recommended temperature not exceeding 40°C) to prevent fiber damage. Maintenance Tips: Avoid using bleach as it can weaken the cotton fibers and shorten the lifespan of the towel. After washing, air dry naturally and avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight to prevent fading.
• Linen Tea Towels Linen is slightly stiffer than cotton but still highly absorbent and naturally antibacterial. Linen tea towels can also be machine-washed, but it is best to use the low-speed setting to reduce fiber wear. If wrinkles appear, you can iron at a low temperature to restore smoothness. Maintenance Tips: Avoid bleach and use neutral detergents. When drying, place linen towels in a shaded area to prevent fading and fiber aging due to direct sunlight.
• Bamboo Fiber Tea Towels Bamboo fiber tea towels have excellent absorbency and are naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant. These towels can be hand or machine washed but should not be exposed to high-temperature water to avoid fiber damage. Maintenance Tips: Bamboo fiber is sensitive to chemicals, so it’s recommended to use non-irritating cleaning products and avoid fabric softeners. After washing, dry the towels by hanging them in a ventilated area. Bamboo fiber dries quickly and is less prone to mildew.

2. Handling New and Old Tea Stains

Understanding different cleaning methods for tea stains helps keep tea towels clean and extends their lifespan.

• Cleaning Fresh Tea Stains Fresh tea stains are easier to remove. Gently rub the tea towel with warm water and a small amount of neutral detergent, which usually works effectively. For cotton or linen towels, soaking for 10-15 minutes before washing enhances the result.
• Treating Old Tea Stains Over time, tea towels may accumulate stubborn old stains that are difficult to remove with standard cleaning. Try one of these methods: use a paste made from white vinegar and baking soda, apply it to the stain, leave it for 10-20 minutes, then wash with warm water; or apply lemon juice, as its acidity can break down the stain, and wash after a few minutes. For durable towel materials, you can soak them in diluted white vinegar water for about 30 minutes before washing to effectively remove old tea stains.

3. Drying Tips

Besides cleaning, here are some drying tips to extend the life of tea towels and prevent damage.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight Cotton, linen, and bamboo fiber can all experience fiber aging or fading if exposed to strong sunlight for long periods. Therefore, after washing, place tea towels in a ventilated, shaded area to air dry. If outdoor drying is necessary, choose a time when the sun is less intense or hang the towel with the reverse side up to avoid direct sunlight on the front.
• Ensure Ventilation When drying tea towels, it is best to hang them in a ventilated area. This is particularly important for bamboo fiber towels, which dry quickly and are less prone to mold when properly aired.

4. Regular Replacement and Maintenance

Even with proper cleaning and care, tea towels may lose their absorbency and appearance over time. It is recommended to replace tea towels every 3-6 months, especially when they become stiff, faded, or show stubborn stains. Timely replacement helps maintain the cleanliness of teaware and the aesthetics of the tea setup.

With proper cleaning and maintenance, tea towels can last longer, ensuring a clean and pleasant experience with each tea preparation.

Common Folding Methods for Tea Towels

Folding and using a tea towel are closely related to practicality and are part of tea etiquette. The proper use of a tea towel in different settings can enhance the overall aesthetics of the tea table and reflect the host’s manners. Below are some common methods for folding tea towels.

1. Square Fold

This is the simplest and most common folding method. Lay the tea towel flat, fold it in half along the middle line, and repeat once more to form a square. This method is suitable for daily use, especially when cleaning tea utensils, as you can unfold part of the folded towel for convenient wiping.

• Recommended Use: Daily tea sessions, cleaning tea utensils

2. Long Fold

Fold the tea towel along one side, then fold it again into a long strip. This folding style is ideal for placing under teapots and teacups, as it absorbs excess moisture without appearing untidy. The neatly folded towel adds a sense of order to the tea table.

• Recommended Use: Placing under teaware, tea table decoration

3. Fan Fold

First, fold the tea towel lengthwise into a rectangle. Then, starting from one end, fold it in an accordion style until the entire towel is folded. Stand the folded towel in a corner of the tea tray. This method is both decorative and functional, especially suited for tea ceremonies and formal tea events.

• Recommended Use: Tea performances, formal tea gatherings

4. Round Fold

Fold the tea towel diagonally to form a triangle, then roll it up from the base to the tip, forming a circle. Tuck the end underneath. This elegant shape is easy to grab and adds a soft touch to the tea table.

• Recommended Use: Formal tea settings, tea table decoration

Proper Use of Tea Towels

Using and placing a tea towel correctly helps maintain the functionality, aesthetics, and etiquette of the tea table.

1. Cleaning Teaware

During tea preparation, excess water might spill from teapots or cups onto the table. Use the folded tea towel to gently wipe the edges of the teaware to keep it clean and tidy. Be mindful to move gently to avoid disrupting the arrangement of the tea set or accidentally knocking it over.

• Note: The tea towel should not touch the guest’s cup rim or the spout of the teapot. During tea ceremonies, the towel is only used for external cleaning and should not come into contact with areas that touch the tea.

2. Placing the Tea Towel

The placement of the tea towel on the tea table also matters. Typically, the towel should be placed at a corner of the tea table, making it easy to grab but not obstructing the arrangement of the teaware or the flow of tea. During formal tea sessions, the towel is often arranged alongside the teaware and tray to maintain a cohesive aesthetic.

• Note: Do not randomly place the tea towel in the center of the table, especially during formal occasions, as a messy towel disrupts the overall atmosphere of the tea table.

3. Underneath Teaware

Tea towels can also be placed under teapots or teacups to prevent slipping or scratching the table surface. This is particularly helpful when serving hot tea, as the towel acts as insulation, protecting the table from heat damage.

• Note: Avoid placing the tea towel inside the teaware. The towel’s main role is external protection and cleaning, and it should not come into direct contact with the tea.

When to Use Tea Towels

Knowing when to use tea towels is important, as they have different functions in etiquette, decoration, and daily use. Below are some examples:

1. Ceremonial Occasions: Tea Parties and Tea Art Performances: In formal tea parties or tea art performances, tea towels serve not only practical purposes but also hold symbolic meaning in terms of etiquette. During performances, tea masters often use tea towels to gracefully wipe teaware, showcasing respect for the utensils and honoring guests. The color and texture of the tea towel can be chosen to match the occasion, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the tea setting.
2. As a Decorative Element: Tea towels are often used as decorative items in kitchens or tea rooms. Their color and pattern can complement the surrounding environment, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. Therefore, when selecting a tea towel, it’s essential to consider not only its functionality but also its decorative appeal.
3. Daily Tea Drinking: In everyday tea drinking at home, tea towels are also indispensable. They can be placed on the tea table for routine cleaning of teaware and wiping up spilled tea, demonstrating the host’s attention to detail and elegance when hosting friends and family.

Tea towels have practical functions and embody the spirit of tea culture. Whether in daily life or formal social occasions, tea towels play a unique role in enhancing the overall tea experience.

Etiquette and Considerations When Using Tea Towels

Tea towels are closely linked to the etiquette and aesthetics in tea culture. Proper use of tea towels helps showcase the charm of the tea ceremony.

• Keep Tea Towels Clean: Whether for daily tea brewing or formal tea gatherings, tea towels should always be kept clean. After using a tea towel to clean teaware, avoid using the same side for wiping other items. Regularly change the folded section to ensure the towel remains clean.
• Graceful Movements: In tea art performances or formal tea gatherings, the use of a tea towel should be done with graceful and gentle movements. Avoid rough handling that might make guests uncomfortable. Using a tea towel is an art form that reflects respect for the teaware and embodies the harmony and etiquette in tea culture.

Conclusion

A tea towel is more than just a cleaning tool for teaware; it’s a representation of the essence of tea culture. Personal experience with touching and using a tea towel—folding it and wiping the teaware—allows you to feel closely connected with the utensils and imbues tea preparation with an elegant sense of ritual. From a decorative standpoint, various styles of tea towels, whether traditional or modern, can elevate the ambiance and sophistication of tea drinking.

Get yourself a tea towel and experience its unique charm in tea culture. Let it become your companion in the delightful practice of tea tasting.