non-flavored denture cleaner

I'd imagine if diluted enough, the hydrogen peroxide will yield what you want?

MarshalN

Well he was saying it needed to be much stronger to work, not weaker.

Many years ago it was possible to buy 40 volume peroxide for bleaching hair. I don't know if it is still available at drug stores or not.

Well he was saying it needed to be much stronger to work, not weaker.

Most first aide quality hydrogen peroxide is only 5% in strength. Concentrations in the 40-50% are commonly found in Industrial bleaching applications. You can find it in small quantities at places that supply labratory chemicals. Use extreme caution though as high concentrations are very dangerous if they come in contact with your skin. I have seen peroxide strong enough that it would cause bleeding on contact.

Mike

I suggest you to clean the pot REALLY carefully, because I do not know, what this guy uses to make his pots look older, but it probably is some sort of color/motor oil, I'm not sure. I also bought a teapot from this guy, and here are the pics of the pot with "genuine tea stains inside"

Yeah. I didn't want to make any accusations on the newsgroup yet (and I'm still not sure whether I trust that vendor), but I feel like the gunk in there is more than just tea stains. I could just be paranoid, but I actually felt kind of ill after brewing tea in the pot - this is after boiling for half an hour or so, running boiling water through it many times, cleaning with baking soda and even a bit in the aforementioned denture cleaner (not totally mint-free). It did occur to me that maybe it could be fire damage or some other type of natural damage.

I wrote him and asked and he claims that they're just teastains and that he even used it a while back (little skeptical of that claim). He said I should boil it for a couple of hours. The pot /looks/ pretty clean now except for some stuff along the inside seam.

Others on the NG have bought pots from him and claim no problems after cleaning well, and his Ebay feedback is good.... but I'm still a little skeptical that he's selling genuine stuff at those prices, dirty or not.

You still can. Also, Whole Foods sells some brand of "chlorine-free laundry bleach" which is something like 40% H202.

--scott

I have bought pots from him that look pretty clean, and I've bought pots that are really dirty. I've bought pots that are well made, and improve the taste of the tea, and pots that don't. One pot has rendered exceptional high mountain oolongs. Another pot improves average dragon well and a third really delivers the essence of Rou Gui. I think much of what he sells is of at least usable quality if not good. Denture cleaner has always done the trick for me, try something from

However ultimately it's up to you and your tastebuds. Good luck.