A “jie-fang” (潔方), commonly known as a tea cloth or small tea towel, is used to wipe away spilled water and tea from tea sets and tabletops to keep the area clean and tidy. Simply put, it is a specialized cloth exclusively for making tea. Although it’s a small and unassuming item, using a tea cloth effectively not only makes the tea-brewing process smoother, but also enhances your overall tea-drinking experience.
Water left over from warming cups or spills from teapots can easily detract from the quality of your tea session. Using ordinary household rags or paper towels raises hygiene concerns and lacks a sense of propriety or elegance, which is why specialized tea cloths were created. They are typically made of linen, making them durable and easy to wash.
If you usually drink tea alone or only occasionally, you can simply use a regular household rag, as long as it is kept clean. However, if you brew tea frequently and love enjoying tea with friends, having a dedicated tea cloth on hand will definitely make your tea sessions much more effortless and enjoyable.