How do you use a tea infuser?

Add loose-leaf tea to the infuser (don’t overfill), place it in your mug or teapot, pour water at the right temperature over it, steep for the recommended time, then remove the infuser to stop brewing.

How much loose-leaf tea should I put in a tea infuser?

A good starting point is about 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 250 ml (8 oz) of water. Adjust slightly based on leaf size and how strong you like your tea.

How long should tea steep in an infuser?

Steep times vary by tea type: green tea 1–3 minutes, white tea 2–4 minutes, oolong 3–5 minutes, black tea 3–5 minutes, and herbal tea 5–7 minutes. Remove the infuser when done to avoid bitterness.

What water temperature should I use with a tea infuser?

Use cooler water for delicate teas and hotter water for stronger teas: green and white tea around 70–80°C (160–175°F), oolong 80–90°C (175–195°F), and black or herbal tea 95–100°C (200–212°F).

Why does my tea taste bitter when I use an infuser?

Bitterness usually comes from water that’s too hot, steeping too long, or using too much tea. Try lowering the water temperature for green/white teas, shortening the steep time, or using less tea.

Should you leave the tea infuser in the cup?

No—once the tea reaches the right strength, remove the infuser. Leaving it in keeps extracting compounds from the leaves and can make the tea taste harsh or bitter.

Can you reuse tea leaves in a tea infuser?

Yes. Many whole-leaf teas (especially oolong and some green teas) can be steeped 2–3 times. Re-steep with fresh hot water and increase the steep time slightly each round.

How do you wash a tea infuser?

After brewing, empty the leaves, rinse the infuser with warm water, and gently scrub the mesh with a soft sponge or brush if needed. For deeper cleaning, soak it 10–15 minutes in warm water with a little baking soda or a splash of white vinegar, then rinse well and air-dry.

How do you remove tea stains or smells from an infuser?

Soak the infuser for 10–15 minutes in warm water with baking soda or white vinegar, then rinse thoroughly. Let it air-dry fully to prevent lingering odours.

What’s the best type of tea infuser for loose-leaf tea?

A fine stainless-steel mesh infuser is usually best because it allows good water flow while keeping small particles out of your cup. Choose one with enough room for leaves to expand and that’s easy to clean.

How to Use a Tea Infuser (Step-by-Step Guide for Better Loose-Leaf Tea)

December 21, 2025

Loose-leaf tea offers better flavour, aroma, and quality than traditional tea bags—but only when brewed correctly. If you’re new to loose-leaf tea or want to improve your results, learning how to use a tea infuser properly makes all the difference.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a tea infuser is, how to use it step by step, common mistakes to avoid, and how to clean it properly. We’ll also share tips for better brewing and a reliable option like the Perfect Tea Infuser.

What Is a Tea Infuser?

A tea infuser is a reusable tool designed to hold loose-leaf tea while it steeps in hot water. Unlike disposable tea bags, infusers allow tea leaves to fully expand, releasing their natural flavours and aroma.

High-quality infusers—especially fine stainless-steel mesh models—help prevent small tea particles from escaping into your cup while still allowing good water flow.

How to Use a Tea Infuser (Step by Step)

1. Measure Your Loose-Leaf Tea

Use about 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 250 ml (8 oz) of water. Whole-leaf teas may need slightly more volume, while finely cut teas usually need less.

Avoid overfilling—tea leaves need space to expand for the best flavour.

2. Add Tea to the Infuser

Open your infuser and place the measured tea leaves inside. If you’re using a fine mesh infuser like the Perfect Tea Infuser, even small-leaf teas can steep cleanly with less residue in your cup.

3. Heat Water to the Right Temperature

Water temperature impacts flavour and bitterness. Use the guide below for best results:

Green & white tea: 70–80°C (160–175°F)
Oolong tea: 80–90°C (175–195°F)
Black & herbal tea: 95–100°C (200–212°F)

Using water that’s too hot can make delicate teas taste bitter or harsh.

4. Steep for the Correct Time

Place the infuser in your cup or teapot and pour hot water over it. Follow these general steeping times:

Green tea: 1–3 minutes
White tea: 2–4 minutes
Oolong tea: 3–5 minutes
Black tea: 3–5 minutes
Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes

Remove the infuser once steeping is complete to avoid over-extraction.

5. Remove, Rest, and Enjoy

Lift out the infuser and let excess water drip off. Many infusers include a lid that doubles as a drip tray, helping keep your counter clean while you enjoy your tea.

Common Tea Infuser Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the infuser: can lead to weak or uneven extraction.
Steeping too long: often causes bitterness and astringency.
Using coarse mesh infusers: can let tea particles escape into your cup.
Leaving the infuser in the mug: continues brewing and can make tea taste harsh.

Why a Good Tea Infuser Matters

Not all tea infusers are created equal. A good infuser should:

Use fine stainless-steel mesh for clean steeping
Allow full leaf expansion for better flavour
Be easy to clean and durable
Fit most mugs and teapots comfortably

If you want a simple, reliable option, the Perfect Tea Infuser is designed for consistent results with loose-leaf tea.

Can You Reuse Tea Leaves in an Infuser?

Yes—many whole-leaf teas (especially oolong and some green teas) can be steeped 2–3 times. Simply remove the infuser, let the leaves rest, and re-steep with fresh hot water, slightly increasing the steep time.

How to Wash a Tea Infuser

Cleaning your tea infuser helps keep flavours fresh and prevents odours. After brewing, empty the used leaves into the compost or garbage, then rinse the infuser under warm water.

For daily cleaning: Rinse immediately and gently scrub the mesh with a soft sponge or brush if needed.
For deeper cleaning (staining or lingering smells): Soak for 10–15 minutes in warm water with a little baking soda or a splash of white vinegar, then rinse well and let it air-dry completely.
Avoid: Letting wet leaves sit for hours (can cause odours) and using harsh abrasives that can damage fine mesh.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to use a tea infuser is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your daily tea routine. With the right tea-to-water ratio, proper temperature, correct steep time, and a clean infuser, loose-leaf tea becomes simple and consistently delicious.

If you’re looking for a durable, beginner-friendly infuser, consider the Perfect Tea Infuser for clean flavour and easy cleanup.