After a hawan, it’s tempting to put the kit away and forget about it until the next festival. Soot, ghee residue and ash left on utensils harden over time, causing stains, tarnish and even corrosion.
A little care after each use keeps your hawan kit clean, shining and ready for years of ceremonies. Here’s how.
Why caring for your hawan kit matters
- ? Respect for the ritual: in tradition, pooja items are treated as sacred, and keeping them clean is part of that reverence.
- ?? Longer life: removing soot and moisture prevents corrosion and damage.
- ? Ready when you need it: no last-minute scrubbing before Griha Pravesh or Diwali.
- ? Better fires: a clean kund without old ash buildup helps the fire burn evenly.
Step 1: Let everything cool completely
Never clean a hot kund or utensils. Wait until the fire has fully burnt out and the kund is completely cool, often an hour or more after the hawan. Check that no embers remain.
Step 2: Remove the ash respectfully
Hawan ash (bhasma) is considered sacred in many traditions. Common ways to dispose of it:
- ? Mix it into plant pots or garden soil
- ? Immerse it in flowing water, as per family tradition and local rules
- ? Keep a small amount for applying as tilak, as some families do
Gently tip the cooled ash into a container, then brush away any loose residue from the kund.
Step 3: Clean each item
The Aastha Hawan Kit includes several pieces: Hawan Kund - 1, a stand, plates, spoons, a lota, a diya and glasses. Here’s how to care for each. pushmycart
? Hawan kund
The kund takes the most heat and soot.
- Remove all ash and leftover wood.
- Soak in warm water with a little dishwashing liquid for 15–20 minutes to loosen soot.
- Scrub with a soft scrubber or brush. Avoid harsh steel wool, which can scratch.
- For stubborn black soot, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it, wait 10 minutes and scrub gently.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
?? Plates and spoons
These often carry ghee residue.
- Wipe off excess ghee with a paper towel or cloth.
- Wash with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Warm water cuts through grease.
- Rinse and dry immediately.
? Lota and glasses
- Rinse out any remaining water or ghee.
- Wash with mild soap and warm water.
- Use a bottle brush to reach the inside of the lota.
- Dry upside down, then wipe dry.
? Diya
- Remove the old wick.
- Wipe out leftover ghee or oil.
- Wash with warm, soapy water and dry.
? Stand
- Brush off ash and soot.
- Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry.
Removing tarnish from copper and brass
If your hawan utensils are made of copper or brass, they will naturally darken over time. These simple, traditional methods restore their shine:
| Method | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Lemon and salt | Cut a lemon, dip it in salt and rub it over the surface. Rinse and dry. |
| Tamarind paste | Soak tamarind in warm water, rub the pulp on the tarnish, then rinse. |
| Vinegar and salt | Mix equal parts, apply with a cloth, rub gently and rinse well. |
| Baking soda and lemon juice | Make a paste, apply it, leave it for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. |
| Copper or brass cleaning powder | Use as directed on the pack. |
?? Always rinse thoroughly and dry completely after using acidic cleaners like lemon, tamarind or vinegar. Leftover acid can cause spotting.
Step 4: Dry everything thoroughly
Moisture is the biggest enemy of metal utensils. After washing:
- Wipe each piece dry with a soft cotton cloth
- Leave them in the air for a while to make sure no moisture remains, especially in corners and inside the lota
Step 5: Store it properly
- ? Keep the kit together in a box, bag or dedicated drawer so no pieces go missing.
- ? Wrap items in soft cloth to prevent scratches.
- ?? Store in a dry place away from kitchen steam and bathroom humidity.
- ? Keep it with your pooja items in the pooja room or a clean, respectful spot.
Quick care routine
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After every hawan | Cool, remove ash, wash, dry and store |
| Monthly, if used often | Deep-clean the kund to remove built-up soot |
| Before festivals | Polish copper or brass pieces for a fresh shine |
| Every few months | Check for damage or wobbling in the stand |
Common mistakes to avoid
- ? Cleaning while the kund is still hot
- ? Leaving ghee residue overnight, which hardens and attracts dust
- ? Using harsh steel wool on polished surfaces
- ? Storing utensils while still damp
- ? Leaving acidic cleaners on the metal too long
The bottom line
A few minutes of care after each hawan keeps your utensils clean, shining and ready for every celebration. Treat your hawan kit with the same reverence as the ritual itself, and it will serve your family for years.
? Buy the Aastha Hawan Kit at Ayurvedaholic
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