A new clay pot behaves a little differently from steel or ceramic cookware straight out of the box. Skip the settling-in step and you risk cracks, an earthy smell that never quite goes away, or water that tastes of raw clay. Here's how to get a new terracotta piece ready for daily use, and how to look after it once it is.
Why a new clay pot needs "seasoning" first
Terracotta is fired clay, and it stays slightly porous even after firing — that's actually the reason it's good at keeping stored water cool, since water seeps very slightly into the walls and evaporates, carrying heat away with it. But that same porosity means a brand-new pot needs to be soaked before its first real use. Soaking lets the clay absorb water gradually and settle, rather than being shocked with sudden moisture and pressure the first time you fill it — which is when hairline cracks are most likely to form.
How to season a new matka, jar, or water pot
- Rinse first. Wash the inside and outside with plain water to clear off any loose clay dust from firing.
- Soak it. Fill the pot with water and let it sit for several hours (many households do this overnight) so the clay absorbs moisture evenly.
- Empty and dry. Pour that water out — it's normal for it to taste faintly of earth — and let the pot air-dry.
- Repeat once more if the pot still has a strong earthy smell after the first soak.
- Fill and use. After this, the pot is ready for everyday water storage.
This applies to water-storage pieces like UmedMart's SADGURU Eco Friendly Water Jar, the RANI LAKSHMIBAI SHG Earthen Pot, and similar matkas, jars, and bottles — anything meant to hold drinking water day to day.
Everyday care, once it's seasoned
- Hand-wash only. Use plain water and a soft cloth or sponge; harsh detergents and scrubbing pads can wear down the surface faster than plain water will.
- Avoid direct flame or a hot stovetop unless a piece is specifically sold as cookware — sudden temperature changes are the most common reason terracotta cracks.
- Let it dry fully before storing if you won't be using it for a while — a damp clay pot left closed up is how musty smells and mould get started.
- Handle drinkware gently. Cups, glasses, and mugs like the RANI LAKSHMIBAI Earthen Cup or Earthen Mug are more delicate than steel or ceramic, so a padded shelf beats stacking them under heavier items.
Decorative and ritual pieces need less fuss
Not everything in a clay pot collection is meant to hold water daily. Diyas, idols, and ritual items such as the SADGURU Ganapati Panti Clay Diya or a Haldi Kunku Karanda don't need soaking before use — a simple wipe-down before their first use is enough. These pieces mainly need protection from being knocked or dropped, since unglazed terracotta chips more easily than glazed pottery.
Why the earthy smell fades (and why that's a good sign)
The faint mud-like smell in a brand-new pot comes from the raw clay itself, and it's strongest right after firing. Each soak-and-dry cycle carries a little of that away, which is why the smell fades with the first few uses rather than disappearing instantly. If a pot still smells strongly after two or three soaks, one more overnight soak usually finishes the job.
FAQs
Do I need to season a clay diya or idol before using it?
No — seasoning applies to pieces meant to hold water, like matkas, jars, and bottles. Diyas, idols, and other decorative or ritual pieces just need a quick wipe before use.
Can I put a clay pot in the fridge or on the stove?
Sudden temperature changes are hard on terracotta and can cause cracking, so avoid moving a piece straight from the fridge to a hot stove or the other way around, unless it's specifically sold as stovetop-safe cookware.
Why does my new clay pot smell earthy?
That's the natural clay itself, strongest right after firing. It fades with the first few soak-and-dry cycles described above and isn't a sign of a defective pot.
Looking for something beyond a plain water pot? UmedMart's SANKET range from Satara also includes purpose-built terracotta pieces for milk, cooking, and pooja use — see our guide to Water Jar, Kalash Tambya, or Handi? for which SANKET piece suits which job.
Browse the full range in UmedMart's Handmade Pottery collection, or read more about the women-led SHGs and artisan groups behind UmedMart's crafts in our piece on rural artisans and Self-Help Groups.
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