How to Clean a Ceramic Steamer (It Barely Needs It)

Here is the good news about how to clean a ceramic steamer: there is very little to do. Your Ye Olde Bells steamer only ever holds plain hot water, with no oils, no additives and nothing sticky, so caring for it is closer to drying a teapot than scrubbing a roasting tin. A rinse, a proper dry and a sensible shelf will do nicely.

Why a Ceramic Steamer Barely Needs Cleaning

Glazed ceramic is smooth and non-porous, and the glass mouthpiece is, well, glass. Because the vessel is only ever filled with plain water, the main job is simply making sure nothing is put away damp. The real enemies are moisture left in corners, a knock on the draining board and the occasional forgotten stopper.

How to Clean a Ceramic Steamer in Five Easy Steps

1. Let it cool completely. Wait until the water, ceramic and glass are all cool to the touch. If you used the optional tealight, make sure it is out and the base has cooled too.
2. Empty and separate. Pour the water away, then gently ease out the rubber stopper with its glass mouthpiece. No forcing and no levering.
3. Rinse with warm water. A rinse under the warm tap inside and out is usually all it needs. If you fancy, a drop of mild washing-up liquid now and then is fine. Rinse well afterwards. Hand wash only: no dishwasher, microwave or oven.
4. Dry every part fully. Stand the vessel upside down on a folded tea towel and lay the stopper and mouthpiece beside it. Give it a few hours, or overnight, until every part is completely dry inside and out.
5. Store it dry. Reassemble only when everything is dry, then keep it somewhere stable, away from shelf edges, children and pets.

If You Used the Optional Tealight

The tealight is entirely optional. It simply keeps the water warm for longer. If you did use one, lift out the cooled tealight cup with the tweezers and give the inside of the warmer base an occasional wipe with a damp cloth to remove any soot or wax. Dry it before storing. If you never use a tealight, the base just needs a dust now and again.

Check the Stopper and Glass Now and Then

Every so often, have a quick look at the rubber stopper: it should sit snugly and show no splits or stickiness. Check the glass mouthpiece and the ceramic for chips or cracks too. If any part is cracked, chipped or damaged, stop using the set and get in touch.

A Quick Note Before Your Next Session

For your next warm-steam ritual, use plain hot (not boiling) water only. Hot water and steam can scald, the set is for adults 18+, and any tealight must never be left unattended. The full routine is in how to use a ceramic vocal steamer, and our tealight safety tips cover the optional candle. Haven't got one yet? Have a look at the Ye Olde Bells ceramic steam inhaler. Then put the kettle on for yourself; the washing-up is done.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Ye Olde Bells is a warm-steam ritual accessory, not a medical device.