A natural mate gourd can last for many years if properly cared for. After each use, a few simple steps can help preserve the gourd, prevent mould from developing and keep your mate in good condition.
Emptying and, above all, properly drying your mate gourd are the most important steps. A natural gourd absorbs some of the water used during preparation and needs to dry completely between uses. This helps prevent mould from developing and considerably extends its lifespan.
In this guide, discover 6 essential tips for cleaning, drying and properly caring for your mate gourd every day.
Once you've finished your mate, remove the yerba from the gourd with a spoon. Avoid leaving damp yerba inside for several hours, especially overnight. Prolonged moisture encourages mould to develop and prevents the gourd from drying properly.
You can also rinse the inside with water to remove any remaining yerba. In this case, be careful not to get the leather of your mate wet, as it also requires special care.
Never use washing-up liquid, soap or other cleaning products. As the gourd is a natural and porous material, it could absorb these products and leave an unpleasant taste in your next mates.
After emptying and, if necessary, rinsing your mate gourd, drying is the most important step. First, wipe the inside with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
Whenever possible, leave your mate gourd to dry in the sun. The warmth and airflow will help the inside dry more quickly. However, avoid prolonged exposure or excessive heat, especially if your mate is covered in leather.
Do not leave your mate gourd to dry upside down. Keep it upright or slightly tilted so that air can circulate inside and moisture can escape.
If there is no sun, leave your mate gourd to dry in a dry, well-ventilated place. You can also place some paper towel inside and replace it when it becomes damp.
If you drink mate every day, you can of course reuse your mate gourd without waiting for it to dry completely each time. However, try to let it dry thoroughly for long enough on a regular basis, ideally at least once a week.
If you drink mate every day, ideally you should alternate between several mate gourds. This gives each one enough time to dry completely between uses while allowing you to continue enjoying your mate every day.
Once your mate gourd is dry, store it in a dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid keeping it in an enclosed or damp space, especially if there is still some moisture inside.
Do not leave your mate gourd in a bag, an airtight container or a damp cupboard immediately after use either. Moisture trapped inside encourages unpleasant odours and mould to develop.
If you are not going to use your mate for several days, make sure the gourd is completely dry before storing it. If possible, leave the opening uncovered so that air can continue to circulate inside.
Over time, the inside of your mate gourd will naturally change colour. Green, brown or very dark stains may appear with use. In most cases, these are simply tannins and pigments from the yerba that have been absorbed by the gourd.
These changes in colour are normal and part of the natural ageing process of a mate gourd. There is therefore no need to scrape or clean the gourd every time a dark stain appears.
However, look out for any unusual deposits on the surface, a fuzzy texture or an unusual smell. These signs may indicate the presence of mould. In this case, avoid using your mate until it has been properly cleaned and treated.
A white or greenish deposit with a fuzzy or cotton-like appearance, especially if accompanied by an unusual smell, may indicate the presence of mould.
If your mate gourd is covered in leather, the leather also requires some care. Avoid getting it wet as much as possible when rinsing your mate or pouring in the water. Repeated exposure to water can gradually affect its appearance, stain it or damage it.
If a few drops of water fall on the leather, wipe them off quickly with a clean, dry cloth. Then let your mate dry naturally, without placing it directly next to a heat source such as a radiator.
Over time, the leather may naturally develop a patina and change slightly in colour. This is part of the normal ageing process of a handcrafted mate.
When preparing your mate, avoid filling the gourd with water right up to the rim. Always leave some space between the yerba and the metal rim to prevent the water from overflowing and wetting the leather on the outside of your mate.
Pour the water gradually near the bombilla rather than filling the entire gourd. This also helps you control the amount of water used and keep some of the yerba dry for the next infusions.
Make sure you use hot water, but never boiling water. For mate, we recommend a temperature between 70°C and 80°C. Water that is too hot can affect the flavour of the yerba and is not recommended for your mate gourd.
Avoid drinking mate at excessively high temperatures. Regular consumption of very hot drinks is not recommended for your health. For mate, we recommend using water at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C.
Taking care of your mate gourd only requires a few simple steps. Emptying it after use, allowing it to dry regularly and avoiding excess water and moisture are enough to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Over time, your mate gourd will naturally evolve, change colour and develop a patina through contact with the yerba. This is also part of what makes each mate unique.
And if your mate gourd is new, don’t forget to check out our guide to learn how to cure a mate gourd before using it for the first time.
Enjoy your mate! 🧉
