How to Remove Mold from a Mate Cup
To remove mold from a mate, scrape the inside, soak it with warm water and white vinegar for a few hours, rinse and dry it fully in open air.
Why mold appears
Mold grows when wet yerba stays inside the cup, especially in closed or humid places.
How to remove it
Act as soon as you notice it.
- Empty all yerba and scrape the inside with a spoon.
- Fill with warm water and a splash of white vinegar.
- Let it sit for a few hours.
- Scrape again, rinse well and dry upside down in open air.
If the mold is deep
For wood or calabash that smells musty or has deep stains, it may be better to replace the cup. Do not drink from a cup you cannot clean fully.
How to prevent it
Empty the cup after each use, rinse with warm water and let it dry completely before storing it.
Quick answers
Can I save a moldy mate?
Light mold usually comes out with vinegar. Deep or recurring mold means it is time to replace it.
How do I avoid mold in a mate?
Empty and dry it after every session.

A stainless steel mate resists mold much better. See our options.
MATEAR Imperial Mate Kit, Stainless Steel Cup Wrapped in Handmade Leather, with Bombilla
