Our removable strainer is dishwasher safe. However, to keep the other parts of the Loka Chai Maker (base pot and upper lip) in the best condition possible we recommend hand washing with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Our coating makes them remarka

Our removable strainer is dishwasher safe.&#xA0;However, to keep the other parts of the Loka Chai Maker (base pot and upper lip) in the best condition possible we recommend hand washing with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Our coating makes them remarkably easy to clean.We&apos;ve found it&apos;s best to empty the leaves and masala from the chai maker immediately after use and then soak the pot in some hot water with a mild dish soap and let it sit for at least a few minutes before you put the strainer in the dishwasher. A simple bottle brush also helps to get out some of the stuck pieces of chai blend.&#xA0;

How do I clean my Chai Maker?

Our removable strainer is dishwasher safe. However, to keep the other parts of the Loka Chai Maker (base pot and upper lip) in the best condition possible, we recommend hand washing with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Our coating makes them remark

Our removable strainer is dishwasher safe. However, to keep the other parts of the Loka Chai Maker (base pot and upper lip) in the best condition possible, we recommend hand washing with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Our coating makes them remarkably easy to clean.

Is my Chai Maker dishwasher safe?

Stainless steel it's durable and built to last. But chai leaves behind oils and tannins that can stain—just like coffee does to your favourite mug. The good news? You can always get it back to looking completely clean. It just takes the right approac

Stainless steel it&apos;s durable and built to last. But chai leaves behind oils and tannins that can stain&#x2014;just like coffee does to your favourite mug.The good news? You can always get it back to looking completely clean. It just takes the right approach.<h3 id="isPasted">For everyday cleaning&#x2014;soak right after use while the strainer is still warm.</h3>This stops residue from setting in. Then scrub with regular dish detergent and the rough side of a sponge. This should keep things manageable between deeper cleans.<h3 id="for-stubborn-residue-and-staining-bar-keepers-friend-is-your-best-pal">For stubborn residue and staining Bar Keeper&apos;s Friend is your best pal</h3>It&apos;s a gentle abrasive cleaner that works brilliantly on stainless steel and will remove even the most stubborn staining. Without it, getting all the staining off can be really challenging. Think of it like trying to deep-clean coffee equipment&#x2014;it&apos;s just one of those things that needs the right product.<h3 id="your-dishwasher-will-work-fine-for-regular-maintenance">Your dishwasher will work fine for regular maintenance</h3>But hand washing tends to be more effective at tackling chai residue&#x2014;especially if your dishwasher runs at a lower temperature or is less powerful.<h3 id="how-clean-it-needs-to-be-is-completely-up-to-you">How clean it needs to be is completely up to you</h3>Some light staining won&apos;t affect performance at all, and it&apos;s a natural part of making chai. But if you want your strainer looking like new, Bar Keeper&apos;s Friend should do the trick.

How to clean your stainless steel strainer

The Inner Seal is what creates a watertight connection between the Fountain Lip and the Base Pot. When it's fitted correctly, your Chai Maker locks together smoothly and brews without leaking. There are two versions of the Inner Seal. Use the image b

The Inner Seal is what creates a watertight connection between the Fountain Lip and the Base Pot. When it&apos;s fitted correctly, your Chai Maker locks together smoothly and brews without leaking.There are two versions of the Inner Seal. Use the image below to work out which one you have, then follow the instructions for that version.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/3RBN0xMVLwA649GJ/hc/r1WE86ra0exJ4Mvg/2026042315-9fc90657-d3fe-46d6-89b8-e6630f1e249f-untitled%20design.png" style="width: 698px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><hr><h2 id="inner-seal-v1">Inner Seal v1</h2>Fit it with the flat side facing up and the ridge facing downward. Press it firmly into the groove inside the Fountain Lip until it sits flush with no gaps.The most common mistake with v1 is fitting it upside down.&#xA0;It&apos;s also possible to fit it inside out, but the seal will naturally fall into the right position when you hold it &#x2014; if it&apos;s inside out, it&apos;ll want to flip back.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/3RBN0xMVLwA649GJ/hc/r1WE86ra0exJ4Mvg/2026042315-26e37b99-a2b8-4444-8f9f-e95ed182bced-untitled%20design%20(1).png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Still not sure? This video shows exactly how to fit the v1 seal:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Q7XqUvI0w&amp;t=4s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/3RBN0xMVLwA649GJ/hc/r1WE86ra0exJ4Mvg/2026051910-4e163391-e420-4dcc-81b1-c5f6587820be-f241cce9-a40d-42a8-a394-e465aab58798.png" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a> <hr><h2 id="inner-seal-v2">Inner Seal v2</h2>Fit it with the ridges facing outward. Press it firmly into the groove inside the Fountain Lip until it sits flush with no gaps.With v2, the thing to watch out for is fitting the seal inside out.&#xA0;The seal will naturally fall into the right position when you hold it, if it&apos;s inside out, it&apos;ll want to flip back. <img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/3RBN0xMVLwA649GJ/hc/r1WE86ra0exJ4Mvg/2026042315-c7c798df-46e3-4476-94c9-230bef6f7739-untitled%20design%20(2).png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Still not sure? This video shows exactly how to fit the v2 seal:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc9w9WVrU80" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/3RBN0xMVLwA649GJ/hc/r1WE86ra0exJ4Mvg/2026051910-dafc33b9-1fc0-4645-af3c-5720675bc0b9-4fe215ce-e2f9-4d48-ae7a-92ed87a6d826.png" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><hr> Not sure you&apos;ve got it right? If your Chai Maker feels stiff to screw together, is leaking, or doesn&apos;t feel fully secure, take the seal out and check the fit before trying again.<hr> <h2 id="after-cleaningdry-it-completely-before-refitting">After cleaning&#x2014;dry it completely before refitting</h2>Before you put the seal back after washing, make sure both the seal and the groove it sits in are completely dry. Fitting a damp seal traps moisture in a spot that doesn&apos;t get air, and over time that can lead to bacteria forming. A wipe with a soft towel does the job, or leave it to air dry fully first.<hr> Still having trouble? <a href="https://weareloka.com/pages/help-center?hcUrl=%252Fen-US%252Fcontact">Get in touch</a> and we&apos;ll help you sort it.

How to fit the Inner Seal correctly

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Loka

A little love goes a long way. How to clean, maintain, and store your Chai Maker so it keeps brewing beautifully for many cups to come.

Looking After Your Loka

How do I clean my Chai Maker?

Is my Chai Maker dishwasher safe?

How to clean your stainless steel strainer

How to fit the Inner Seal correctly