We’d recommend this method if the above options don’t do it for you or you don’t have the right materials to hand. Mix a small amount of bleach and a larger amount of hot water in a container like a washing-up bowl. Around 1/5 bleach to 4/5 water should be plenty. As with all the previous methods, be sure it’s rinsed thoroughly enough when you remove it and before it’s next use. The Hard Brushing Bit! Of course, no true tea collection would be complete without a classic style Blue Italian tea strainer and rest set from Spode. Timeless and charming, this iconic piece of kitchenware makes the perfect gift for any avid tea lover. How to use a Tea Strainer? Tea strainers and infusers are separate devices that each serve a specific function. The common denominator between them is they both hold tea, and that’s it.

You can even try this to remove rust from a tea strainer or simply remove the tea stain from your filter. So many options! Although, if you see signs of rust, I really would recommend replacing it. This question pops up often with tea infusers, especially when people switch over from tea bags. While specific measurements vary depending on the type of tea used, the general rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of loose tea for every 6 to 8 ounces of water. Adding more tea will lead to a stronger flavor, as will steeping for a longer amount of time. Too much of an extreme for either will lead to an overly bitter cup of tea, however, so keep that in mind when brewing. Modern quality infusers and strainers are made from stainless steel, available in an array of styles and sizes which allow for easy use and cleaning. Not to mention that they are easily available to use with an assortment of kettles, pots, cups and more! Many tea drinkers refer to a fancier filigree metal tea strainer with double handles as an “English tea strainer.” These beautiful tea strainers are more traditional and come with various scrolled metalwork on the handles. English tea strainers may be made of silver and be far more expensive. Product image from Etsy Best Tea Strainers According to Tea Lovers

As far as its performance, the Tea Drop does not have the absolute finest infuser basket. Some small particles ended up in the mug after we tested multiple tea varieties but not to the extent that it marred the flavor or drinking experience. We were impressed by how large the infuser basket is, which is a benefit because it gives tea leaves space to evenly diffuse throughout the mug or teapot. Unlike tea infusers, loose-leaf tea strainers don’t come in a wide array of designs and colors. They do, however, either come in a single handle or double handle design. They both function the same way, with the exception being that the single handle must be held while pouring tea while the double handle is a hands-free alternative. Single Handle

Mistakes with brewing tea usually involve time, temperature, or water-to-tea ratio. This means brewing for too long or too short, using an incorrect temperature, or using too much or too little tea. Being mindful of all three factors will help people develop their tea-brewing techniques."— Shunan Teng, Founder and CEO ofTea Drunk What to Look for When Buying a Tea Infuser Size You may find some teaware retailers marketing tea infusers as tea strainers (i.e., tea strainer ball.) If you see a device marketed as a “tea steeper,” it will most likely be either a tea infuser or a tea strainer. Tea Infuser After testing it ourselves, the infuser surpassed all expectations. It was one of the easiest to use and the best at retaining tea leaves. All we had to do was scoop tea into the basket, place the basket into a mug, pour hot water, and wait. The Brewing Basket is also dishwasher safe for simple post-tea cleaning. The item is available in multiple sizes and colors, and the lid functions as a drip tray for added convenience. While it leans toward the more expensive end for an infuser, we think it's reasonably priced and an excellent value for money considering the quality. According to Shunan Teng, the founder and CEO ofTea Drunk, one tip for making better tea at home is to use hotter water for high-quality tea and lower-temperature water for subpar tea. "Hotter temperatures bring out the flavors in better tea," she says, "and lower temperatures dilute the flaws in lower-quality tea. With bad tea, the bitterness and astringency would come out with higher temperatures." Other Options We Tested How long do you want your tea strainer to last, and how much time cleaning it do you want to invest? Fine mesh dents easily, is harder to clean and lasts less time. How To Use A Tea Strainer

Loose Tea Infusers & Strainers

Making tea for yourself during a quiet moment’s reflection. Or sharing with friends across a table during Afternoon Tea is a very satisfying experience. And one not to be taken lightly.