How to Care for Your Chasen (Tea Whisk) and Chashaku (Tea Scoop)
The chasen is the heart of matcha preparation, and with proper care, it can last much longer while maintaining its performance.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide for Chasen (Bamboo Whisk)
1. Rinse Immediately After Use
- Wash under lukewarm running water (below 40°C / 104°F) to remove matcha residue.
- Avoid hot water, as it can weaken the bamboo fibers.
2. Gently Shake Off Excess Water
- Hold the chasen upside down and flick your wrist to remove water trapped between the tines.
3. Air-Dry Completely
- Place it on a chasen stand or in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
- Never store it while damp, this causes mold and warping.
Tips to Extend Its Lifespan
✔ Do not to Scrub – Not recommended using baking soda/detergent or using high-pressure running water directly on the prongs.
✔ Proper Storage – Keep it in a chasen holder or upright to maintain shape.
✔ When to Replace– Noticeably broken, bent, loose or it no longer whisks smoothly.
Why You Should Never Wash a Chashaku (Tea Scoop)
Unlike the chasen, a chashaku (bamboo tea scoop)should never be washed with water. Here’s why
Reasons to Avoid Washing
# Water Damages the Bamboo – Causes cracking and warping.
# Tradition- Not washing the chashaku is deeply connected to its spiritual and aesthetic value. It doesn’t matter if it’s $10 or $1000, or one said to have been used by the famous “Sen no Rikyu” 400 years ago, we do not wash it. Your chashaku becomes part of your history and adds to the evolving scenery of the tea room. This is the key Japanese “Wabisabi” concept that finds beauty in imperfection, simplicity and the natural passage of time.
Correct Maintenance Method
Wipe After Each Use, with a soft, dry cloth (silk or cotton) to remove matcha then store in dry place. Avoid humid places.
Final Thoughts: Preserving Tradition Through Care
Tea utensils are not just tools—they are living art that improves with age when cared for properly.
- Chasen = Requires gentle washing and drying.
- Chashaku = Never wash; only wipe.
By following these traditional methods, you honor the spirit of chanoyu (tea ceremony) and ensure your tools last for years.
“The way you care for your tea utensils reflects the depth of your practice."
