Can my Yixing teapot be saved?!

Question: I am an idiot. I was told to leave the used oolong tea in my yixing teapot for a few days after each use to let the flavor seep into the porous clay. However, I forgot about the soggy tea leaves for a few months and when I opened the pot today the tea was horribly moldy. Is this it? Should I dispose of the pot? It is an artisan made pot and cost me over $50. Can someone help me salvage my tea pot??

Thanks!

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7456/...

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Answers: I am an idiot. I was told to leave the used oolong tea in my yixing teapot for a few days after each use to let the flavor seep into the porous clay. However, I forgot about the soggy tea leaves for a few months and when I opened the pot today the tea was horribly moldy. Is this it? Should I dispose of the pot? It is an artisan made pot and cost me over $50. Can someone help me salvage my tea pot??

Thanks!

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7456/...

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i think you can just wash it out, youll lose the seasoning but you wont lose the pot. I have one of these too it is a great pot. ohh just wash with hot water dont use soup err soap.

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post on this forum, the tea experts hang out there
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.food....

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after rinsing thorourly, put in some warm water and drop one or two everfesent tabs (the ones used to soak dentures) works great. Then just reseason the pot.

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