How to clean a bombilla and yerba mate cup
Start as soon as you finish your mate
Emptying and rinsing the cup becomes an easy habit when you do it straight after use. Remove the used yerba, rinse the cup and leave it to dry completely. INYM, Argentina’s yerba mate institute, recommends drying the cup with its opening facing upwards so moisture does not remain inside.
The material determines the care
Wood and natural gourds absorb moisture, so careful drying and ventilation are particularly important. Remove excess water after rinsing. Do not store the cup closed or damp.
Glass, ceramic and metal require a different approach. Let a glass or ceramic cup cool before washing it. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular product, especially if it has an outer covering or decorative parts.
Do not forget the inside of the bombilla
Wash the bombilla after each use. Check that no leaves remain in the filter or inside the tube. A narrow brush can help remove deposits. If the filter is designed to come apart, dismantle it according to the instructions and reassemble it only when the parts are clean.
Deep cleaning depends on the material and construction. A method for a simple stainless steel bombilla does not automatically apply to a model with glued, coated or decorative parts.
A simple habit: empty, wash, check the filter and dry completely. That way, your next mate starts with clean equipment.
The equipment manufacturer’s specific instructions take priority.
Sources: INYM: caring for the mate cup, bombilla and thermos.
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A half-minute check before the next fill
Look over the cup rim and bombilla filter. Remove visible residue before refilling. If air still passes poorly through a clean bombilla, check whether the filter can be dismantled and follow the model instructions. Detergent aroma does not belong in your next mate: a thorough rinse is part of the routine.
Frequently asked questions
Can every bombilla be boiled?
No. Materials, coatings and decorative parts vary. Boil only when the manufacturer permits it for that model.
How should I put the cup away?
Empty and completely dry, in a ventilated place. Do not close a natural gourd while it is damp.
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