How to Remove Smell from a Mate Cup
A musty smell in a wooden or calabash mate usually comes from moisture and old yerba. Emptying it after each use and letting it dry in open air prevents it.
Empty and rinse
Throw out the yerba right after drinking and rinse the mate with warm water. Do not leave wet yerba inside overnight.
Dry it fully
Leave the mate open to the air so the inside dries. Avoid closing it up while it is still damp.
Cure it again
If a smell lingers, cure the mate again with fresh yerba and warm water, following our curing guide.
Check for mold
If you see mold, follow our guide on removing mold. A mate with serious, repeated mold may need replacing.
Quick answers
Can I soak a wooden mate in water?
Avoid long soaking. Wood and calabash absorb water.
Does a steel mate smell?
It can if it is left wet, but steel is easier to clean and dries without absorbing odors.
A stainless steel mate does not absorb smells as easily as natural materials.
MATEAR Imperial Argentine Mate in Algarrobo Wood with Bombilla