The bombilla is one of the utensils that needs the most attention because it can contain traces of yerba, sugars and other impurities. Especially in these pandemic times, it is essential to wash the bombilla to prevent the spread of Covid-19. As a general rule, it is necessary to take into account the scraping of solid residues, washing with detergent, rinsing, disinfection with bleach or hot water and drying of all the elements after each use.
We recommend using a stainless steel, alpaca, or nickel bombilla to have the safest and highest quality metals.
For proper hygiene, we will need the following items:
- A pot.
- Water.
- Baking soda (two tablespoons).
- A lemon.
The INYM (National Institute of Yerba Mate) also recommends:
- Wash it after each use with water and detergent.
- Perform a deep cleaning every 15 days.
- In both cases, let it rest later on a clean cloth until it dries on its own.
- Then, scrub it with a brush and remove the remains of dried yerba.
How to perform a deep cleaning:
To perform this deep cleaning, purify and sanitize the bombilla —both inside and outside— the steps to follow are:
- Fill the pot with water, and introduce slices of lemons (half a lemon or less will do it!).
- Pour two tablespoons of baking soda.
- Squeeze half a lemon into the water.
- When the water starts to boil, put the bombilla in.
- Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse well.
- Wipe it with metal polish to recover the shine of your bombilla.
- Wipe the outside of it too.
- Let it sit for 1 or 2 minutes and then rub it vigorously to regain shine. ‘
Now, we already have our light bombilla purified, sanitized and polished. Don’t forget to drink mate individually!
